Photo Credit: Spotify
After rule changes allowed Spotify to link to external payment options in its iOS app, the digital streaming provider (DSP) reports a boost in premium subscriptions on the platform.
Spotify says its internal data shows that the recent update supporting web payments has resulted in “a significant increase in iOS users upgrading to a Premium subscription.” This development follows the U.S. District Court in Northern California ruling in favor of Epic Games—forcing Apple to allow apps like Fortnite and Spotify to link to external payment methods.
iOS developers can now inform customers of alternative payment methods like web billing, as well as any discounts for paying that way. Spotify was one of the first companies to update its app to take advantage of the new policy. The updated version of the app explains what the subscriptions cost, why the in-app purchase for iOS is more expensive, and how to get the cheaper price by paying with a web subscription. The update also allows them to purchase audiobooks on the Spotify app directly instead of needing to do so on the desktop app or web browser.
“The 2025 order has created substantial benefits for developers and—more importantly—consumers,” Spotify states in a new filing. “Spotify’s internal data shows that its iOS app updates have already resulted in a significant increase in iOS users upgrading to a Premium subscription. Apple’s compliance has also enabled new product innovations that would not have been possible without the injunction.”
Spotify’s revised Premium Destination Page in the iOS app now tells free users how to upgrade to a paid subscription. It offers information about the prices and a link to the checkout page for users to pay with a credit card or PayPal. While Spotify’s conversion rates on Android have remained relatively constant, those for iOS users have upticked substantially.
“This strongly suggests that the increase is due to Apple finally complying with the injunction thanks to the 2025 order,” Spotify writes in the filing. It adds that audiobook purchases from the iOS app are also ticking upwards, thanks to the new payment options. Spotify has declined to share actual numbers, while Apple filed an emergency motion to revert to its old policy while appealing. The court decided not to grant that motion—so the external payment options for Spotify and Fortnite are here to stay while this case continues to play out in court.
Music Apps, Music Industry News, Music Streaming, Spotify News
This post was originally authored and published by Ashley King Digital Music News via RSS Feed. Join today to get your news feed on Nationwide Report®.
