In a significant development, Spotify has announced it can now show pricing information for its services directly within its iOS app for European Union users. This move comes after extensive negotiations and is part of Spotify’s ongoing efforts to navigate the evolving regulatory landscape set by the EU’s Digital Markets Act.
Earlier this year, Apple faced a €1.84 billion fine from European regulators for antitrust violations. In response, Spotify and Apple engaged in discussions over an app update that would enable Spotify to provide EU users with details about subscription plans and digital goods, including newly added audiobooks.
The approved update now allows Spotify to list prices for various services, including subscription plans and individual audiobook purchases. However, Spotify will not be able to include direct links to its website for transactions, as doing so would incur a 27% commission fee from Apple. Instead, Spotify can only refer users to its website without specifying the URL.
In conjunction with the pricing update, Spotify is launching a promotional offer in the EU, which includes three months of free service before a subscription begins. This promotion mirrors practices already in place on Android devices.
Despite this progress, Spotify continues to advocate for a more seamless user experience, arguing that iOS users should have the same purchasing options as those on other platforms. The company criticized Apple’s policies, describing them as “illegal and predatory” and calling for a more equitable treatment of app developers.
Spotify’s latest move is part of its broader strategy to enhance its user experience while avoiding Apple’s commission fees and is expected to further shape the ongoing discussions around app store regulations.
Philips Babatunde