Spotify reports that the introduction of external payment links within its iOS app has already significantly boosted premium subscription upgrades, according to a recent filing. The streaming company detailed these findings in an amicus brief submitted in support of Epic Games amid its ongoing legal dispute with Apple over the use of external payment systems on the App Store.
This development follows a landmark ruling by the U.S. District Court in Northern California earlier this year, which sided with Epic Games in its long-running battle against Apple’s restrictions. As a result, Apple was compelled to grant U.S. developers the option to direct customers to alternative payment methods outside the App Store’s processing system, avoiding Apple’s customary commission. Apple promptly altered policies to comply, allowing apps to clearly communicate to users alternative billing methods and offer incentives such as discounts for direct payments.
Spotify was among the first major apps to adopt this new feature, swiftly issuing an update that provides explicit information on subscription pricing and directs users to its website for payment. Additionally, Spotify’s recent changes have enabled the purchase of audiobooks directly through the app.
The results have been promising, Spotify affirmed. The company wrote in its filing, “The 2025 Order has created substantial benefits for developers and—more importantly—consumers. Spotify’s internal data clearly indicates the updates have resulted in a significant increase in premium subscription upgrades on iOS devices. Apple’s compliance has further allowed us to explore new innovations previously restricted by App Store rules.”
Spotify’s redesigned “Premium Destination Page” clearly presents subscription options and price comparisons, along with a direct web link to complete payment transactions. Internal analytics revealed that while the conversion rate from free to premium users remained steady among Android customers—who already had access to such payment flexibility—Spotify experienced a noticeable rise in upgrades by iOS subscribers following these changes. Just days after the introduction of the audiobook purchase feature, early indicators show similarly promising improvements in sales. However, the company did not disclose specific figures regarding these increases.
Spotify’s filing joins similar briefs from Microsoft and other companies reinforcing Epic Games’ position. Apple, meanwhile, continues resisting the injunction’s implementation, pursuing an appeal to reverse the court’s decision. Despite Apple’s efforts, the Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit has denied the company’s emergency request to halt compliance with the injunction temporarily, deciding instead to proceed by the standard schedule.
In a related development, Epic Games’ flagship title, Fortnite, has returned to the U.S. App Store after five years of absence, following significant legal pressure from the court. The case continues to unfold, as Apple and Epic’s arguments will now be heard by the appeals court, with significant implications expected for the broader industry landscape surrounding app payment systems.
