Spotify’s U.S. App Gets Apple’s Green Light for External Payments
In the first tangible result of this week’s court decision against Apple’s App Store practices, Spotify has confirmed that Apple approved its U.S. app update, allowing the streaming giant to display full subscription prices and direct customers to pay on the web. The approval landed less than 24 hours after Spotify submitted the build, and the company hailed it as “the opening act of a new era” for fair competition in mobile commerce.
Table of Contents
A Court Order Breaks Apple’s Grip in the App Store
On April 30, U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers ruled Apple in “willful violation” of a 2021 injunction, banning the iPhone maker from charging any fee on off‑app purchases — full text via CourtListener. Apple said it would comply while appealing the decision and, on May 1, pushed an App Store policy update for the U.S. storefront.
What Spotify’s New Build Post-Update Actually Does
According to Spotify’s newsroom statement, users based in the U.S. can now:
- See transparent pricing for Premium tiers and limited‑time promotions.
- Tap one link that opens Spotify’s website to purchase or upgrade — bypassing Apple’s in‑app‑purchase flow entirely.
- Switch plans seamlessly (Individual ↔ Student, Duo, Family) without the 30 % Apple tax.
- Use multiple payment options offered on spotify.com, not just Apple Pay.
- Benefit from future add‑ons such as streamlined audiobook purchases.
“After nearly a decade, this will finally allow us to freely show clear pricing information and links to purchase, fostering transparency and choice for U.S. consumers,” said Spotify spokesperson Jeanne Moran.
Why the Apple App Store Changes Matter for Streaming and Beyond
For subscription businesses—music, video, SaaS, fitness—the ruling means a direct path to price transparency, promotional flexibility, and healthier unit economics. Stripe has already published a step‑by‑step migration guide for external payments.
What Comes Next for iOS Apps in 2025
Apple has vowed to appeal, so the policy could still change. Expect a wave of more updates in the coming weeks as companies race to cut Apple’s 30 percent from their P&Ls.
How To Update iOS App External Payment Links
This App Store rule change could put billions back into app companies’ pockets and prove that lower prices and higher margins can coexist.
OpenForge’s Mobile App Consulting team specialises in App Store compliance, payment‑flow optimisation, and rapid release engineering. Let us guide you through adding external links—without risking rejection.
Book a free 30-minute consult with OpenForge’s development team to discuss how to integrate external payment links compliantly and efficiently: openforge.io/contact
