Spotify said Apple has approved its latest app update that will let the music streaming platform display pricing information and include links to purchase. The change intends to foster «transparency and choice for U.S. consumers,» according to Spotify.
The news comes after a U.S. judge ordered Apple earlier this week to stop collecting developer fees on web transactions. Governments have already taken steps against Apple’s efforts in some countries, but this marks one of the bigger legal rebukes of the App Store policies in the U.S.
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The issue stems from a 2020 lawsuit against Apple by Epic Games, maker of popular game Fortnite. Epic accused Apple of forcing app makers to use its payment system, which then enabled Apple to collect a commission on many transactions. That fee could be as high as 30%. The US District Court for the Northern District of California ruled this week that Apple’s behavior toward web transactions was in bad faith and anticompetitive.
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Although this means Fortnite will return to the iOS App Store in the US as early as next week, other platforms like Spotify will feel the impact, too.
Spotify calls Apple’s actions ‘absurd’
«We can now give consumers lower prices, more control, and easier access to the Spotify experience,» the company said in a blog post. «There is more work to do, but today represents a significant milestone for developers and entrepreneurs everywhere who want to build and compete on a more level playing field. It’s the opening act of a new era, and we could not be more ready for the show.»
Spotify said it recently submitted an update to Apple which includes new features such as pricing details on subscriptions and information about money-saving promotions; the ability to click a link to purchase the subscription of choice; upgrading from a Free account to one of its Premium plans; and using alternative payment options outside of Apple’s payment system.
«If all of this seems obvious and user-friendly, you’re right, and we agree – these are the kinds of improvements that any app should offer its users,» Spotify said in the post. «The fact that we haven’t been able to deliver these basic services, which were permitted by the judge’s order four years ago, is absurd.»
A representative for Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The company reportedly plans to comply with the ruling, but intends to appeal.
