Spotify Updates App to Bypass Apple Fees for Audiobook Purchases

Spotify is updating its app to allow Premium subscribers to follow direct links for audiobook purchases, a significant shift aimed at bypassing Apple's in-app purchase system and associated fees.

This update comes in the wake of a federal court ruling against Apple, which demanded that the company comply with a 2021 injunction preventing it from blocking app developers from directing users to external subscription and purchase options.

Apple traditionally takes a 15 to 30 percent commission on in-app purchases, a practice challenged by Spotify and other developers as anti-competitive and costly for both companies and consumers.

Spotify emphasized that the ruling "helps level the playing field by allowing developers to offer basic pricing information and easy-to-access links to purchase digital goods through iPhones with no unnecessary steps or additional taxes levied by Apple."

The update is expected to benefit not only users, who gain more transparent pricing and purchase options, but also publishers and authors who can reach audiences more directly and retain a larger share of revenue.

However, the update is pending Apple's approval and is not yet live on the App Store. The latest available Spotify version, 9.0.40, released in early May, already includes features allowing users to view subscription costs, change tiers, and select payment options outside Apple's system.

This development is part of a broader legal and competitive landscape, as Apple faces multiple lawsuits, including a class-action suit and challenges from companies like Epic Games, which recently requested to return Fortnite to the App Store amid ongoing disputes.

Implications for Developers and the Industry

Spotify’s move highlights the increasing pressure on platform owners like Apple to revise their app store policies to foster fair competition and transparency. For developers, this opens new avenues to offer flexible payment options and reduce dependency on platform fees.

For users, these changes promise more control over their purchases and potentially lower costs, while content creators benefit from improved revenue shares and direct engagement with their audiences.

This evolving dynamic underscores the importance of monitoring regulatory developments and platform policies, as they significantly impact app monetization strategies and the broader digital economy.