Great news for audiobook lovers: Spotify’s iPhone app in the U.S. just got a whole lot easier to use! After years of playing hide-and-seek with Apple’s App Store rules, Spotify can now sell audiobooks directly in its iOS app—no more awkward detours to a web browser.
What’s New?
- See Prices & Buy In-App: No more guessing how much an audiobook costs—prices are now visible right in Spotify.
- One-Tap Purchases: Remember when you had to buy audiobooks on the web first? Those days are over. Now, just tap and listen.
- Need More Listening Time? Spotify’s “top-up” feature (extra listening hours) is also now available in-app for $13 per 10 hours.
Why Now?
This change comes after Apple lost a legal battle (thanks, Epic Games!) and was told it can’t force developers to use its payment system—or charge them ridiculous fees for outside purchases. Spotify, Kindle, and others are now taking advantage of the ruling, while Epic is still fighting to bring Fortnite back.
Spotify’s Subtle Shade
In its announcement, Spotify politely said this update “lowers the barriers” for users to enjoy audiobooks—translation: “Apple, it’s about time you stopped making this so difficult.”
So, iPhone users, rejoice! Your audiobook binge just got smoother. Now, if only Apple would stop fighting over Fortnite long enough to approve more of these common-sense updates
