Spotify Launches U.S. App Update Enabling External Payment Links After Apple Approval

Spotify has announced that Apple has approved its updated U.S. app version, enabling users to access clear pricing information and external payment links directly within the app. This update comes shortly after a U.S. federal judge ordered Apple to cease charging commissions on purchases made through iPhone apps, signaling a major shift in app store payment policies.

Spotify spokesperson Jeanna Moran highlighted this as a victory for consumers, artists, and creators, emphasizing that the update fosters transparency and choice. Users can now view subscription pricing options clearly and link out to Spotify’s website to manage or purchase subscriptions without incurring Apple’s traditional 30% commission fee on in-app payments.

The app update, version 9.0.40, is currently rolling out on the App Store, making Spotify one of the first major apps to leverage this new flexibility. Additionally, Spotify can now promote special offers within the app, enhancing user engagement and providing more competitive pricing options.

This development follows a ruling by U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers, who found that Apple violated a prior order to reform its App Store. The judge mandated that Apple allow developers to direct users to external websites for purchases, aiming to reduce anticompetitive barriers and increase market fairness.

Apple has stated it will comply with the court order but plans to appeal the decision, underscoring ongoing tensions between platform control and developer freedoms. Meanwhile, Spotify’s update sets a precedent for other developers seeking to offer more transparent pricing and payment options outside of Apple’s ecosystem.

Implications for Developers and Consumers

This update represents a pivotal change in the app marketplace, where developers can now compete on a more level playing field by avoiding high commission fees and offering clearer pricing. Consumers benefit from increased transparency, lower costs, and greater control over their subscriptions. For the industry, this signals a move toward more open ecosystems and could inspire further regulatory scrutiny of platform gatekeepers.

• Developers can bypass Apple’s 30% commission on in-app purchases by linking to external payment sites.
• Consumers gain clearer pricing and access to promotional offers directly within apps.
• Regulatory actions are reshaping how major platforms govern app store economics.

As Apple appeals the ruling, the app ecosystem remains in flux, but Spotify’s move highlights the growing momentum toward more open and competitive digital marketplaces.