Spotify is updating its app to allow users to follow links for audiobook purchases and to add hours to their audiobook listening hours if they are Premium subscribers. Now, it’s up to Apple to approve the changes.
In a blog post, the streaming audio company said it submitted an app update on May 9 in the aftermath of a federal court ruling against Apple demanding the company’s App Store comply with an 2021 injunction.
The injunction was supposed to stop Apple from blocking app developers from directing users to subscriptions and in-app purchases outside of the apps, where Apple can take a 15 percent to 30 percent fee.
But Apple has not changed its practices, according to the ruling. Apple is also faceing class-action lawsuit over the issue. A representative for the company did not respond to a request for comment from CNET.
In its blog post, Spotify said the ruling “helps level the playing field by allowing developers to offer basic pricing information and easy-to-access links to purchase digital goods through iPhones with no unnecessary steps or additional taxes levied by Apple.”
Spotify went on to say the app change will benefit not only users but publishers and authors as well. The update is not yet live on the Apple App Store. The latest version available, 9.0.40, was released in early May. That update included changes that allow Spotify users to see how much subscriptions cost, to change their subscription tier, and to use payment options other than Apple’s.
Epic Games, which sued Apple over its App Store practices, submitted a request to return its popular game Fortnite to Apple’s storefront. The company previously pulled the game from the platform over its legal dispute.
