Spotify’s iPhone App Now Lets You Pay Your Way: Here’s What Changed
Looking for how to pay for Spotify outside the App Store on your iPhone? Good news: Spotify’s iPhone app now supports external payments. Following a landmark change to Apple's App Store policies, Spotify users in the U.S. can now pay for subscriptions directly through Spotify’s website, bypassing Apple’s previous 30% service fee. This means cheaper Spotify Premium plans, greater flexibility, and better transparency — major wins for consumers tired of restrictive app payment systems.
Spotify's latest iPhone app update (version 9.0.40) is more than just a new feature — it marks a pivotal shift in the app economy. For years, Apple enforced strict rules that barred apps like Spotify from even mentioning external payment options, effectively forcing users to pay inflated prices through the App Store. After a decisive ruling from a U.S. federal judge in the Epic Games case, Apple was ordered to end these restrictions — including design limitations, extra fees, and aggressive warning pop-ups.
Now, Spotify can freely display promotional prices, subscription plans, and direct purchase links within the app, giving users more choice and lowering costs. This is a huge benefit not only for Spotify’s loyal fan base but also for artists, content creators, and anyone advocating for a more competitive digital marketplace.
What You Need to Know About Spotify’s New Payment System
Starting today, when U.S. users update their Spotify app, they’ll begin seeing clear pricing information and clickable links that take them straight to Spotify’s own website for payment. This shift removes Apple's infamous 30% commission and allows Spotify to pass those savings directly to users.
Jeanne Moran, Spotify’s spokesperson, celebrated the move, saying it promotes "transparency, consumer choice, and lower prices." If you don’t see the new options immediately, don’t worry — Spotify notes it may take a little time for the update to appear across all devices.
How External Payments Benefit You
Previously, even using an external payment processor meant developers faced a 27% "Apple tax" on top of promoting through heavily restricted channels. Those days are over. The recent court order compels Apple to stop charging any fees for external transactions and bans misleading "scary" pop-ups that discouraged users from choosing alternative payment methods.
By paying Spotify directly:
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You can save money on Spotify Premium.
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You gain better control over your subscription.
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You avoid unnecessary third-party service fees.
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You support a more open and competitive app ecosystem.
For savvy consumers who prioritize value, privacy, and choice, this is a game-changer.
What Other Companies Are Following Spotify’s Lead?
Spotify isn’t alone in embracing the new app store freedoms. Platforms like Patreon have announced updates that allow users to complete purchases externally without restrictions. Meanwhile, Epic Games is preparing to launch its own alternative payment processing system, promising even lower fees than Apple's.
Expect more big names to follow, as developers and consumers alike rally for an app economy that puts users first and cuts unnecessary costs.
A New Era for Spotify Users
Spotify’s move to allow external payments on iPhone signals a broader shift in how apps interact with users — giving power back to consumers, cutting prices, and encouraging transparency. Whether you're looking to save on your Spotify Premium subscription or simply tired of Apple's tight grip, this new update delivers real benefits.
Make sure you update your Spotify app today and take advantage of this groundbreaking change. More affordable streaming and better consumer rights are just a click away.
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