Spotify Submits App Update with External Subscription Link After Apple Ruling

Spotify announced on Thursday that it has submitted an updated version of its application to Apple. This update includes an external link that allows users to purchase subscriptions. The move follows a U.S. judge’s decision that Apple had failed to ensure fair competition for app downloads.

The Swedish audio streaming service conveyed in a letter to Apple its intention to modify its U.S. application in compliance with Wednesday’s court order. This order stated that Apple should not enforce its new commission on purchases made outside of the app.

“The fact that we haven’t been able to deliver these basic services, which were permitted by the judge’s order four years ago, is absurd,” the company stated in a blog post.

Apple has not yet issued a response regarding the matter.

U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers in Oakland, California, issued an 80-page ruling stating Apple did not adhere to her previous injunction. This injunction was part of an antitrust lawsuit filed by Epic Games, the creator of “Fortnite.”

Apple expressed its strong disagreement with the decision but affirmed it would abide by the court’s order and plans to appeal.

Spotify and Apple have been involved in a long-standing dispute concerning Apple’s App Store policies and their effects on Spotify’s business.

In August 2024, Spotify updated its app on Apple devices in the European Union to display pricing details for its various plans and services. This update occurred several months after Apple had initially declined a similar request.

In separate news, Apple reduced its share repurchase program by $10 billion on Thursday. CEO Tim Cook mentioned to analysts that tariffs might increase costs by approximately $900 million during the current quarter.