Spotify says its potential to direct its prospects to external payment links in its iOS app has already had a constructive influence on gross sales. In a newly filed amicus temporary in assist of Epic Video games in its ongoing authorized battle with Apple over exterior funds on the App Retailer, Spotify claims its inner knowledge signifies that its latest replace supporting internet funds has resulted in “a major improve in iOS customers upgrading to a Premium subscription.”
Shortly after the U.S. District Court docket in Northern California ruled in favor of Fortnite maker Epic Games on the matter of exterior funds, Apple was pressured to lastly permit U.S. app builders to direct their customers to other ways to pay from inside their iOS apps with out having to pay Apple’s fee.
Now, iOS app builders within the U.S. can select to inform their prospects about internet billing choices and whether or not there’s a reduction for paying straight.
Spotify was one of many first to update its iOS app to reap the benefits of the brand new coverage. The up to date model explains to prospects what subscriptions price, factors them to its web site to buy, and permits customers to purchase audiobooks straight.
The outcomes have been largely constructive, Spotify wrote within the new submitting.
“The 2025 Order has created substantial advantages for builders and — extra importantly — customers,” the submitting states. “Spotify’s inner knowledge present that its iOS app updates have already resulted in a major improve in iOS customers upgrading to a Premium subscription. Apple’s compliance has additionally enabled new product improvements that may not have been attainable with out the Injunction.”
Spotify mentioned that its revised “Premium Vacation spot Web page” in its iOS app tells free customers the way to improve to a paid subscription by providing details about costs and a hyperlink to a checkout web page. Since including the hyperlink and pricing info, Spotify says it’s seen the quick influence of the modifications.
Within the two weeks the brand new web page has been reside, Spotify says the speed of conversions from the free to Premium tier has remained “comparatively fixed” on Android, the place Spotify has already been in a position to provide fundamental pricing info.
In the meantime, the conversion fee amongst iOS customers has elevated considerably, the corporate says.
“This strongly means that the rise is because of Apple lastly complying with the Injunction because of the 2025 Order,” Spotify wrote. Plus, the corporate provides that it’s starting to see the consequences on audiobook purchases simply three days after the brand new product choices have been launched.
Spotify declined to share particular numbers associated to the will increase when reached for remark.
Its temporary joins these from Microsoft and others in assist of Epic Video games, as Apple tries to combat the injunction that upended its U.S. App Retailer enterprise.
Apple doesn’t wish to adjust to the courtroom’s determination, which it’s within the strategy of interesting, till all authorized issues are absolutely settled.
It additionally tried to keep Epic Games’ Fortnite out of the App Store for a similar purpose, however the decide pressured Apple to allow the game back in the App Store or return to court to clarify why Apple was in non-compliance with the ruling.
On Tuesday, Fortnite went live on the U.S. App Store after a five-year hiatus.
The case between Apple and Epic now continues within the U.S. Court docket of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. Apple filed an Emergency Movement so it may revert to its outdated coverage whereas its attraction was underway. Nonetheless, the courtroom determined to not grant the movement, saying the panel of judges would comply with the default briefing schedule after which rule on the movement in “due course.”
