Spotify has just scored a victory in its ongoing battle with Apple, securing approval to display pricing information in its iOS app for EU users. This breakthrough comes after a tumultuous year of negotiations and legal tussles, highlighting the evolving landscape of app regulations in Europe.
The approval allows Spotify to showcase pricing details for its subscriptions and digital goods, including its newly introduced audiobooks. EU users will now see transparent pricing for various subscription plans and a la carte audiobook purchases directly within the app. However, Spotify still faces restrictions: it can’t include direct links to its website, avoiding a 27% commission fee imposed by Apple. Instead, users will only see a reference to Spotify’s site, without a clickable URL.
The change marks a significant step forward, though Spotify is not fully satisfied. The company is using this opportunity to promote a special offer in the EU: new subscribers can enjoy the first three months of service free, a deal Spotify can freely offer on Android but had previously been restricted from on iOS.
Spotify’s latest update reflects a broader effort to circumvent Apple’s hefty commissions and push for more control over its payment processes. While progress is being made, Spotify’s battle for a more equitable system continues. The company remains determined to secure a direct link from its app to its website for purchases, a move it argues is essential for delivering the seamless user experience that iPhone users expect.
