Epic Games and Spotify Test Apple's New App Store Policies with App Submissions

Epic Games and Spotify are actively testing Apple's newly updated App Store policies by submitting app versions that incorporate previously restricted payment features. This move marks a significant shift in how developers can monetize within Apple's ecosystem.

Epic Games’ submission aims to restore Fortnite to the App Store after its removal in 2020 following a dispute over direct payment integration. This removal was part of a larger antitrust conflict between Epic and Apple, which culminated in a federal lawsuit.

Spotify’s update introduces the ability for users to purchase individual audiobooks directly within the app and for Premium subscribers to buy additional listening hours beyond their monthly allotment. This follows Apple's recent approval of similar features in the Amazon Kindle app and prior Spotify updates allowing subscription pricing transparency.

These developments stem from a federal judge’s ruling in the Epic Games antitrust case, which mandated Apple to relax its restrictions on in-app purchases and external payment links. Previously, Apple required developers to seek permission and display warnings for external payment options, while still charging commissions on sales made outside the App Store.

The judge’s order compels Apple to remove these barriers, allowing developers to link directly to web-based purchase options without Apple-imposed formatting or commissions. This change not only benefits large companies like Epic and Spotify but also opens new revenue models for smaller developers, potentially reshaping the app economy.

Looking ahead, more developers are expected to adopt these new policies to enhance monetization strategies and reduce reliance on Apple’s commission structure. This evolution signals a more competitive and developer-friendly App Store environment, driven by legal and market pressures.

For businesses and developers, understanding these policy changes is crucial for strategic planning and maximizing app revenue. QuarkyByte provides expert guidance on navigating these evolving app store dynamics, helping teams implement compliant, innovative payment solutions that align with legal requirements and market opportunities.