Spotify has rolled out a major update that lets iPhone users in the United States buy audiobooks without leaving the app. This comes after a court found that Apple must stop blocking outside payments. Now people can see prices, make their first purchase, and even get more listening hours with just a few taps.
New In-App Audiobook Purchases
Spotify once removed audiobook sales from its iOS app because of Apple rules. Now that the court has changed the rules, audiobooks are back. Users can look at the price of any book in the Browse tab and buy it right there. This change makes it easier for new listeners to try audiobooks and for authors to reach more fans.
Extra Listening Hours
Premium subscribers get fifteen hours of free audiobook time each month. When they need more time, they can buy top-ups for ten hours at thirteen dollars. These top-ups last for a full year after purchase. Users do not have to go to the web to get more hours anymore.
Why This Update Matters
This update follows a court decision that said Apple must let apps link to outside payments. That case has let apps like Spotify and Epic Games add links to buy things outside the App Store. Now Spotify can give pricing and links inside the app so people can choose the best option.
A Better Experience
Before this update, people had to buy audiobooks on the web and then open the app to listen. Now the process is all in one place. This means less typing and fewer steps. It also saves time for people who want to dive into a new book right away.
What Comes Next
Spotify already added external payment links for subscriptions earlier this month. Now the audiobook change makes the iOS app more complete. Other apps like Kindle and Patreon have made similar moves after the court ruling. We can expect more apps to follow this path and give users better ways to pay.