Spotify to Add Price Info in EU App, Apple to Allow Website Links for Purchases

Spotify will update its app on Apple devices in the EU to include price information, while Apple will now allow music streaming apps to link to their websites for purchases.

Spotify Adds Pricing Info in EU iOS App, but Refuses to Include External Purchase Links

According to Reuters, Spotify will update its app on Apple devices in the European Union on August 14 to include prices for its various plans and services, over three months after Apple initially rejected such a move. The rejection stemmed from Spotify's refusal to accept Apple's newly introduced Music Streaming Services Entitlement, which sets terms for how music streaming apps in the European Economic Area can inform users of alternative purchasing options.

Spotify has agreed to these terms, but its iOS app will not provide an external link for users to purchase, as the company does not wish to pay Apple a commission on those transactions. Apple clarified that accepting the music streaming terms did not necessitate an external payment link.

In a statement, Spotify acknowledged this update as progress but described it as a tiny step in the broader effort to provide iPhone users with the primary product experiences they expect and deserve in their apps.

Apple Eases App Store Rules in Europe Following EU Fine, Allowing Music Streaming Apps More Flexibility

Apple had earlier announced measures on April 5 to make it easier for music streaming apps on its App Store in the European Economic Area to inform users about alternative methods to purchase digital services in response to a European Union mandate. This announcement came weeks after the EU fined the company 1.84 billion euros ($1.99 billion) for restricting competition among music streaming rivals through its App Store policies.

The European Commission declared in March that Apple's restrictions constituted unfair trading conditions and ordered it to cease such practices. The Commission's decision followed a 2019 complaint from Spotify, which accused Apple of preventing music streaming services from informing users of payment options outside the App Store.

In its April 5 announcement, Apple stated that it would allow music streaming app developers to invite users to provide their email addresses to receive links to the developer's website to purchase digital music content or services and inform them about pricing and purchasing options. Apple emphasized that this announcement provided "even more" flexibility to music streaming service apps, including Spotify, which holds a 56% share of the European market.

Spotify did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Apple's announcement. Apple, however, noted that the Commission's decision does not impact its ability to charge a commission for the tools, technologies, and ongoing services it provides.