In a major win for Spotify and audiobook fans alike, iPhone users in the U.S. can now purchase audiobooks and listening hour top-ups directly within the Spotify app. This marks a significant shift in Apple’s long-standing restrictions around in-app purchases and follows a recent U.S. court ruling that forced Apple to relax its grip on external transactions.
A Smoother Audiobook Experience
Until now, Spotify users had to jump through hoops — browsing the app for audiobooks but then switching to the web to make purchases. The update removes that friction. Now, users can:
- View audiobook prices in-app
- Buy individual audiobooks with just a few taps
- Purchase additional listening hours (“top-ups”) directly from their iPhone
Each top-up adds 10 hours of audiobook time for $13, beyond the initial 15 hours that come with Spotify’s audiobook offering.
This change is more than just a usability win — it’s a landmark moment in the ongoing battle over app store economics. Spotify had removed audiobook purchases from its iOS app back in 2022 due to Apple’s strict in-app payment rules. But the tide began to turn earlier this month when Spotify was approved to display subscription pricing and link users to external payment options.
Spotify stated, “This change lowers the barriers for more users to embrace their first — or tenth — audiobook, while allowing publishers and authors to reach fans and access new audiences seamlessly.”
With Apple slowly loosening its control over in-app commerce — under increasing legal and regulatory pressure — expect more developers to follow Spotify’s lead. For users, it means less frustration and more flexibility. For content creators, it’s a more open path to their audience.
Source: (Techcrunch)
