In a major win for Spotify, Apple has approved an update that the streaming giant has been pushing for years. As of now, U.S. users can purchase audiobooks directly within the Spotify iOS app, eliminating the cumbersome workarounds that frustrated users for far too long.
The update brings significant improvements: users can now see audiobook prices directly in the app, purchase additional listening hours, and even sign up for subscriptions outside the App Store. This marks a notable shift in how Spotify can operate on iOS, giving users a smoother and more transparent experience.
Back in 2022, Spotify removed audiobook purchases from its iOS app entirely, publicly accusing Apple of stifling competition with its restrictive App Store policies.
The move was a bold protest against Apple’s tight grip on in-app transactions, which often forced developers to either comply with steep fees or redirect users to external websites for purchases. Spotify’s frustrations echoed those of other major players in the industry, culminating in legal battles like the high-profile Epic vs. Apple case.
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Thanks to the ripple effects of that lawsuit and growing regulatory pressure, Apple has begun to loosen its policies, allowing platforms like Spotify to breathe a little easier. This update is a step toward a more competitive landscape, where users—and developers—can benefit from greater flexibility. For Spotify, it’s a long-overdue victory that could pave the way for further innovations on iOS.
