Spotify iPhone app to soon offer audiobook purchases via external links

Spotify will roll out the update in the US once Apple permits the integration of external links within the iPhone app.

Image: Omid Armin / Unsplash

Great news for iPhone listeners in the US! Spotify, the leading music streaming platform, has announced an exciting upcoming update. Soon, users in the US will be able to effortlessly purchase Spotify audiobooks directly through the iPhone app, bypassing Apple's traditional payment system. This update is currently awaiting approval, and once it receives the green light, it will be available on Spotify for iPhone in the US. Additionally, Spotify plans to offer premium account holders in the US the option to top up their listening time, providing an estimated extra 15 hours of audiobook access.

This development follows Spotify's announcement on Friday regarding the submission of a new update to Apple. This update centers around incorporating external links specifically for audiobook subscriptions. This move is a direct consequence of the significant ruling in the Epic Games v. Apple case in the US. The court's decision stated that Apple should not impose taxes or restrictions on the inclusion of external subscription links within apps.

Previously, Apple levied a substantial 27% commission on purchases made through such external links within apps. This policy had been a major point of frustration for many app developers, hindering their ability to fully realize their earnings. However, with the recent court order, iPhone users may soon be able to subscribe to audiobooks included with Spotify Premium and purchase individual titles directly within the Spotify app.

Spotify had previously explored offering audiobooks on its platform without displaying prices directly within the app, instead informing users about costs via email. However, this approach proved ineffective, and the feature was ultimately removed from the iPhone app. Now, Spotify views this new opportunity, created by the court ruling, as one that will undoubtedly "unlocks new revenue opportunities for audiobook publishers and authors, allowing them to reach fans and access new audiences seamlessly." It's important to note, however, that this hinges on Apple's final approval of the update.

There's a strong indication that Apple will indeed approve the ability to buy audiobooks on Spotify for iPhone. This is partly due to the Cupertino-based tech giant recently allowing third-party apps to integrate payment options via external links through the App Store. Despite this, Apple has strongly disagreed with the court's decision and is pursuing an appeal, also seeking to suspend the order regarding tax-free external links.

Once Apple allows this update and integrates the audiobook subscription feature into the iPhone Spotify app for US users, we will definitely inform you about it. So, stay tuned for further updates!