Spotify says support for external payments on iOS has already boosted subscriptions

Spotify says its capability to direct its clients to external payment links in its iOS app has already had a constructive impression on gross sales. In a newly filed amicus transient in help of Epic Video games in its ongoing authorized battle with Apple over exterior funds on the App Retailer, Spotify claims its inside information signifies that its latest replace supporting net 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 enable 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 clients about net billing choices and whether or not there’s a reduction for paying immediately.

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 clients what subscriptions price, factors them to its web site to buy, and permits customers to purchase audiobooks immediately.

The outcomes have been largely constructive, Spotify wrote within the new submitting.

“The 2025 Order has created substantial advantages for builders and — extra importantly — shoppers,” the submitting states. “Spotify’s inside information 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 might not have been doable 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 data, Spotify says it’s seen the rapid impression of the adjustments.

Within the two weeks the brand new web page has been dwell, Spotify says the speed of conversions from the free to Premium tier has remained “comparatively fixed” on Android, the place Spotify has already been capable of supply fundamental pricing data.

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 due to 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 had been launched.

Spotify declined to share particular numbers associated to the will increase when reached for remark.

Its transient joins these from Microsoft and others in help of Epic Video games, as Apple tries to battle the injunction that upended its U.S. App Retailer enterprise.

Apple doesn’t need to adjust to the court docket’s resolution, which it’s within the means of interesting, till all authorized issues are totally 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 previous coverage whereas its attraction was underway. Nonetheless, the court docket determined to not grant the movement, saying the panel of judges would observe the default briefing schedule after which rule on the movement in “due course.”