Spotify's new iPhone update bypasses Apple's in-app purchases for direct payments

Spotify’s latest iPhone update, version 9.0.40, is now available on the Apple App Store, giving U.S. users the ability to access direct payment links to Spotify’s own site. This marks a significant change in the purchase experience, as users can now bypass Apple’s in-app purchase system and go straight to Spotify’s web platform to manage subscriptions or take advantage of promotional offers.

The update enables Spotify to advertise and provide lower prices outside the app, a route previously blocked by Apple’s rules. This follows a recent major court decision in Apple’s lawsuit with Epic Games, in which Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers ordered Apple to do away with additional fees, design restrictions, and warning messages for external payments. As a result, Spotify is the first major app to act on Apple’s revised policy, having submitted its new version immediately after the ruling.

The current release also introduces clear pricing and direct links to purchase or redeem offers on Spotify’s website. Transactions completed this way are excluded from Apple’s usual 30% in-app purchase commission. The update is rolling out now and may take time to reach all devices.