Spotify's iPhone app will soon get a useful upgrade for audiobooks fans here's what's coming

Date:
Mon, 12 May 2025 14:04:43 +0000

Description:
Spotify has proposed another iPhone update that could improve audiobook
access for users, but will Apple approve?

FULL STORY ======================================================================An incoming version of Spotify's iOS app contains changes to audiobooks If approved by Apple, it'll let you buy audiobooks via links from the app
Premium subscribers will also be able to buy 'Top Up' hours for audiobooks

Spotify is looking to improve its iOS experience for audiobook fans in the
US by enabling them to purchase audiobooks (via links) and 'Top Up' hours
from within the Spotify app.

The streaming giant has submitted an update to its App Store listing to Apple that would allow it to add links and pricing information for audiobooks to
the Spotify app, allowing users in the US to use external links to purchase audiobooks.

If Spotifys iPhone app update gets approved by Apple, non-Premium users will be able to purchase individual audiobooks and Premium subscribers can
purchase additional Top Up hours for audiobook listening.

Spotify already offers 15 free monthly hours of audiobook streaming for Premium users, and this update would allow them to access even more of Spotifys library of audiobooks, if theyre willing to pay.

This news follows Spotifys recent iOS update , which it issued in response to the Epic Games vs Apple legal battle, which resulted in Apple having to ease its control over the App Store. Why is this happening? (Image credit:
Spotify)

Apple had previously limited the extent to which developers could advertise and use link-to-payment options outside the App Store where Apple could take a 30% cut from in-app purchases.

Since this ruling, Apple has been ordered to stop taking commission from purchases made via external links, creating the opportunity for Spotify to seek to earn more revenue from App Store purchases.

In a blog post Spotify said: It helps level the playing field by allowing developers to offer basic pricing information and easy-to-access links to purchase digital goods through iPhones with no unnecessary steps or
additional taxes levied by Apple.

This change also unlocks new revenue opportunities for audiobook publishers and authors, allowing them to reach fans and access new audiences seamlessly.

Previously, Spotify tried to get around Apples App Store restrictions by not showing audiobook prices in the app, instead emailing links to users where they could purchase audiobooks on the web.

This change would make a huge difference for Spotifys audiobook library, and would mean that the streaming service wouldnt have to take alternative measures to improve audiobook access and revenue opportunities. Now were just waiting for Spotify to display a similar sense of urgency in bringing us Spotify HiFi . You might also like Spotify has secretly added a new way to disable one of its most disliked features, and Im fully on board Shazam's new Viral Chart wants to be your one-stop playlist for the latest hits and classics getting more spins 'Our existing subscriptions are plenty enough for us': Spotify CEO seems to pour water on mooted 'Superfan' subscription arriving any time soon



======================================================================
Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/audio/spotify/spotifys-iphone-app-will-soon-get-a-us eful-upgrade-for-audiobooks-fans-heres-whats-coming


--- Mystic BBS v1.12 A47 (Linux/64)
* Origin: tqwNet Technology News (1337:1/100)