NewsApple approves Spotify app update with external paymentsFollowing the update, Spotify can advertise cheaper prices to US users if they subscribe outside the app.Following the update, Spotify can advertise cheaper prices to US users if they subscribe outside the app.by Dominic PrestonMay 2, 2025, 12:08 PM UTCLinkFacebookThreadsCath Virginia / The VergeDominic Preston is a news editor with over a decade’s experience in journalism. He previously worked at Android Police and Tech Advisor.Apple has approved an update to Spotify’s iPhone app that makes it the first major app to support direct links for US users to pay for plans on an external site, without restrictions. Apple has been forced to change its rules on external payments following an order in its ongoing case against Epic Games. The updated app, version 9.0.40, is available now on the App Store.Spotify spokesperson Jeanne Moran confirmed the approval from Apple in a statement to The Verge:“In a victory for consumers, artists, creators, and authors, Apple has approved Spotify’s U.S. app update. 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. We can now give consumers lower prices, more control, and easier access to the Spotify experience. 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 submitted the update to Apple’s App Store yesterday, in what was seen as a test of Apple’s new rules. The new version includes details on promotional pricing and subscription plans available directly from Spotify’s website, where its transactions won’t be subject to Apple’s 30 percent service charge on in-app payments.Apple previously included strict restrictions on how developers were able to advertise and link to external payment options, forbidding the use of buttons or any mention of cheaper pricing outside the app.Developing…See More: AppleEntertainmentiOSMobileNewsPolicySpotifyTechMore in this streamSee allSpotify already has an app ready to test Apple’s new rulesJay PetersMay 1CommentsComment Icon BubbleEpic is offering developers an alternative to Apple’s in-app purchasesJay PetersMay 1CommentsComment Icon BubbleSpotify: “This landmark court ruling is a victory for developers everywhere.”Jay PetersMay 1CommentsComment Icon BubbleMost PopularMost PopularMark Zuckerberg just declared war on the entire advertising industryMicrosoft is raising prices on Xbox consoles, controllers, and games worldwide‘Cook chose poorly’: how Apple blew up its control over the App StoreSlate Auto confirms where it’ll build its $20,000 TruckGoogle’s Play Store lost nearly half its appsInstallerA weekly newsletter by David Pierce designed to tell you everything you need to download, watch, read, listen to, and explore that fits in The Verge’s universe.Email (required)Sign UpBy submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Notice. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.Advertiser Content FromThis is the title for the native ad
