Spotify Bypasses Apple Fees with New iOS Payment Options
Spotify’s iPhone app in the U.S. has a fresh update that lets users pay for subscriptions directly on the company’s website, skipping Apple’s App Store fees. The new version, 9.0.40, is rolling out now and makes Spotify Premium the first big app to offer this option on iOS, thanks to a recent change in Apple’s rules. “This is a big win for users and artists,” said Spotify’s Jeanne Moran. “After years of limits, we can now show clear prices and links to buy subscriptions, giving people better deals and more control.”
Before this, Apple blocked apps from linking to outside payment pages or sharing pricing details, charging up to a 30% fee on in-app purchases. A U.S. judge, Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers, recently ordered Apple to drop these strict rules, including warnings that scared users away from external payments. On May 1, 2025, another federal judge pushed Apple to relax its App Store grip, opening the door for Spotify’s update. The app now highlights subscription plans and special offers available on Spotify’s website, free from Apple’s extra costs.
If the new payment options aren’t showing up yet, Moran said it might take a little time to appear on all devices, even with the latest app version installed. Spotify has long criticized Apple’s policies, with Moran once calling them unfair to users and competition. Other companies, like Patreon and Epic Games, are now planning similar moves to offer direct payments in their iOS apps. This change could shake up how apps work on iPhones, giving users more affordable choices.
