Apple approves Spotify app update with external payment links

Chance Miller | May 2 2025 - 5:03 am PT

Apple has officially approved the first app with links to external payment options in the United States. After submitting its update to Apple yesterday afternoon, Spotify says that Apple has approved a new version of the app that takes advantage of the latest changes to the App Store Guidelines.

In an injunction handed down on Wednesday, Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers barred Apple from charging commission or otherwise interfering with developers’ ability to direct customers to payment methods outside of the App Store. Specifically, in the United States App Store, Apple must not:

Impose any commission or fee on purchases made outside an app
Restrict developers’ style, language, formatting, quantity, flow, or placement of external purchase links
Prohibit or limit buttons or calls to action, or dictate their content, style, or placement
Exclude certain apps or developers from using external links
Interfere with a user’s choice to leave the app, except via a neutral message
Restrict dynamic links that take users to logged-in product pages or pass product/user info for outside-app purchases

Spotify’s latest update for iPhone and iPad takes full advantage of these changes. As we covered yesterday, the new version of the app includes a multitude of changes. In the Spotify app, customers in the United States:

Can finally see how much something costs in our app, including pricing details on subscriptions and information about promotions that will save money;
Can click a link to purchase the subscription of choice, upgrading from a Free account to one of our Premium plans;
Can seamlessly click the link and easily change Premium subscriptions from Individual to a Student, Duo, or Family plan;
Can use other payment options beyond just Apple’s payment system—we provide a wider range of options on our website; and
Going forward, this opens the door to other seamless buying opportunities that will directly benefit creators (think easy-to-purchase audiobooks)

In a statement to 9to5Mac, Spotify spokesperson Jeanne Moran said that Apple has approved this app update:

“In a victory for consumers, artists, creators, and authors, Apple has approved Spotify’s U.S. app update. After nearly a decade, this will finally allow us to freely show clear pricing information and links to purchase, fostering transparency and choice for U.S. consumers. 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. It’s the opening act of a new era, and we could not be more ready for the show.”

The update is now live on the App Store, though the external link changes still appear to be rolling out. This marks the first app on the App Store to take advantage of these App Store changes, but we expect a multitude of apps to swiftly follow.

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