Apple has reversed some limitations imposed on the Spotify app. The decision comes months after a big $2 billion EU fine resulting from a 4-year-long fight where Spotify argues that Apple has been limiting payment options to favor Apple Music.
Apple policies limit payment options on Spotify and other apps
Apple is one of the least open companies regarding in-app payments. For a long time, the company has forced developers to implement Apple’s payment system for all in-app transactions. This allows the Cupertino giant to take a 30% cut of each transaction. Meanwhile, the company does not allow developers to implement alternative payment methods. While some apps are exempt from the fee for one reason or another, that can change at any time. Patreon’s new subscriptions will be more expensive on iOS starting in November for that reason.
But not only that, as Apple also prohibits any reference to possible payments outside the app. For example, iOS third-party apps cannot show subscription prices without implementing Apple’s payment system. Developers also cannot include links or redirects to their website to complete a transaction. The latter would allow users to save some money by avoiding the App Store fee, but Apple doesn’t like that idea.
For such excessive measures, Apple received a huge fine of around $2 billion in March in the EU. However, even after the fine, Spotify revealed that Apple was blocking an app update for including information about payments through its website and subscription pricing. Now, it seems that Apple wants to avoid new sanctions, so it has reversed its action against the Spotify app.
Spotify iOS app can now display prices without implementing Apple’s payment system
So, the Spotify app on iOS can now display subscription prices and inform users about the option to pay for subscriptions from its website, without implementing Apple’s payment system. However, it seems that Apple still does not allow developers to facilitate a link or button that leads users directly to their website to make the process easier.
The latest update to Spotify’s blog post says that “Unfortunately, Spotify and all music streaming services in the EU are still unable to freely give consumers a simple opportunity to click a link to purchase in app because of the illegal and predatory taxes Apple continues to demand, despite the Commission’s ruling.”
Spotify still considers Apple’s measures insufficient. We will have to wait and see if the Cupertino giant gives in a little more in the future to avoid being subject to new fines.