Spotify Reports Higher iOS Premium Conversions After Allowing External Payments

Spotify has reported a notable increase in Premium subscriptions among iOS users since updating its app to support external payment links, following a recent U.S. court ruling. The change comes after the U.S. District Court in Northern California sided with Epic Games in its legal battle with Apple, requiring Apple to allow app developers to inform users about alternative payment methods outside the App Store. Spotify was quick to implement these changes, updating its iOS app to display subscription prices and direct users to its website for purchases, including audiobooks. According to Spotify, while Android conversions remained stable, iOS saw a substantial uptick in free users upgrading to Premium, which the company attributes directly to Apple’s compliance with the court order. Spotify highlighted that these changes have not only benefited developers but, more importantly, consumers, by offering more choices and fostering innovation. The company, however, did not disclose specific subscription numbers. This development is part of the ongoing legal saga between Apple and Epic Games, with other tech giants like Microsoft also supporting Epic. Apple is currently appealing the decision and sought to delay compliance, but the court has denied the request, allowing the new payment options to remain available for now.