Spotify says it has submitted an update to its iOS app that would, among other things, let US customers use payment options that aren’t Apple’s, according to a blog post. The update submission follows Wednesday’s major Epic Games v. Apple ruling that forces Apple not to take a cut of payments on non-Apple payment systems and stops Apple from dictating how developers can tell users about outside payments.
“While other governments around the world have taken steps against Apple’s harmful practices, this is, by far, the most consequential action to date – and it delivers the benefits that all consumers deserve around the world,” Spotify says.
If Apple approves the update, Spotify says that US users:
Can finally see how much something costs in our app, including pricing details on subscriptions and information about promotions that will save money;
Can click a link to purchase the subscription of choice, upgrading from a Free account to one of our Premium plans;
Can seamlessly click the link and easily change Premium subscriptions from Individual to a Student, Duo, or Family plan;
Can use other payment options beyond just Apple’s payment system—we provide a wider range of options on our website; and
Going forward, this opens the door to other seamless buying opportunities that will directly benefit creators (think easy-to-purchase audiobooks)
“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 says. “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.”
Now, we have to wait and see if Apple will approve the app update — which has been a bone of contention between Spotify and Apple in the past.
Patreon announced earlier today that it plans to submit an update for its iOS app to Apple that will let creators accept payments outside of Apple’s payment system.
