You can now view Spotify’s pricing details and even pay for subscriptions outside the app, thanks to a new update approved by Apple. This marks a major shift in how app payments work on iPhones. The decision comes just days after a U.S. court ruled that Apple must allow developers to guide users to external payment methods without charging a commission.
Spotify confirmed the news on May 3, stating that Apple has officially approved the update for its U.S. app. In a statement, Spotify’s spokesperson Jeanne Moran shared, “In a victory for consumers, artists, creators, and authors, Apple has approved Spotify’s U.S. app update.” For the first time in almost ten years, Spotify can clearly show you pricing details and give you direct links to pay for your subscription or switch plans—all outside Apple’s payment system.
Moran added, “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.” She described the update as beginning a new chapter in fairer app practices.
Update now live with new payment options
Spotify’s updated version 9.0.40 is already rolling out on the App Store. Once installed, you can see your subscription choices and what each one costs. More importantly, if you want to upgrade or change your plan, you can follow a direct link from the app to Spotify’s website. This means your payments will bypass Apple’s 30% fee on in-app purchases.
This update also allows Spotify to tell U.S. users about limited-time offers or promotions directly inside the app—something it couldn’t do before. The change brings more openness for users like you and makes it easier to compare plans without leaving the app and searching online.
Spotify submitted this update just one day before it was approved, and it’s now one of the first big platforms to benefit from the new rules. This sets a new example for other apps that want to share payment information more openly with their users.
Apple to follow court ruling but plans to appeal
Apple responded to the court’s decision by saying it would follow the order for now, even though it disagreed. The company announced on Wednesday that it would appeal the ruling made by U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers.
The judge stated that Apple had violated an earlier order to change its App Store rules. These rules had blocked app developers from guiding users to external payment sites. Judge Rogers found that Apple failed to follow the order and did so on purpose, creating new ways to limit unfair competition.
With this live update, you’ll likely see more apps following Spotify’s lead in offering external payment options, giving you more choices and possibly even better prices. While the legal fight between Apple and app developers continues, this moment signals a win for user rights and transparency in the digital world.
