Epic Games and Spotify are testing Apple’s new App Store rules by submitting apps that would not have been accepted under previous guidelines. On May 10, both companies sent updated versions of their apps to Apple for review.
This move marks a major shift in how apps may operate in the App Store. For Epic Games, this could lead to the long-awaited return of Fortnite, which was removed in 2020. Apple deleted the game and banned Epic’s developer account after it bypassed Apple’s in-app payment system, prompting a legal battle. Epic had enabled direct payments in Fortnite, which sparked a lawsuit over Apple’s control of app purchases.
On the other hand, Spotify is testing the waters with new features aimed at audiobook listeners. The streaming giant wants to allow Premium users to buy extra audiobook listening hours once they use up the 15 free hours provided each month. It also plans to let users purchase single audiobooks directly within the app, something that was previously restricted.
Spotify and Amazon Kindle gain approval for direct sales
Spotify’s update comes just after Apple gave the green light to Amazon’s similar move. The Kindle app was approved with a “Buy Book” button included, marking the first time users can buy eBooks directly within the app.
Last week, Spotify also got Apple’s approval for another change: users in the United States can now see subscription pricing within the app, along with other updates. These developments signal a gradual shift in how Apple handles app payment options.
With Epic Games and Spotify making these bold moves, other companies are expected to follow. The updated App Store rules make it easier for developers to offer more flexible ways for users to make purchases, which could reshape the app economy.
New rules could help or hurt, depending on your size
While major companies like Epic and Spotify stand to benefit financially from the new policy, it’s a different story for smaller app developers. These changes could create room for new business models and raise questions about fairness and competition. Smaller developers may struggle to keep up with the flexibility and reach that larger companies enjoy.
The policy changes came after a federal judge ruled in favour of Epic Games in part of its antitrust lawsuit. Although Apple mostly won the case, the court found it hadn’t followed earlier orders about in-app purchases.
Before the changes, developers had to ask Apple for permission to include a website link for purchases. Even then, Apple forced developers to use pop-up warnings—often called “scare screens”—to caution users about buying outside the App Store. Apple also took a 27% commission on these external sales, slightly reduced from the previous 30%.
The judge made it clear that Apple’s approach was still too controlling. As a result, Apple had to remove extra conditions and allow developers to link to outside purchase options without facing commissions or added approval steps.
These new rules could set the stage for broader changes in how digital purchases work inside apps. Developers now have more freedom, and users may soon find it easier to choose how they want to pay.
