There will be no changes to Spotify's payment option for the iOS platform even in the EU, which still does not yet support App Store in-app purchases on iOS despite the upcoming changes from Apple. The feud between both companies is still apparent, with Spotify staying with the current setup of its payment method for Premium users amidst the new changes when the EU law comes into effect.
It also comes at a time when Apple and Spotify are going at each other's throats in the EU, with the Cupertino giant getting an almost $2 billion fine in the region.
Spotify: No iOS App Store In-App Purchases for Premium in EU
(Photo : KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV/AFP via Getty Images)
The Verge reported that they spotted Spotify's app to not add an App Store payment option, citing that the streaming platform would remain to its current setup which led its iOS subscribers to its website. Earlier this year, Spotify also teased an easier way to subscribe to Premium, and this will have users doing so in the app itself, and no longer redirecting them outside it.
However, there will be a change for Spotify on the Apple platform amidst this upcoming law of the EU taking effect. It would center on adding languages that would describe the subscription plans and prices to the customer, coming to the app.
This entire setup by Spotify is yet to be approved by Apple, but if they do, the platform's users would now be able to subscribe from their devices but via its website.
Apple vs. Spotify: App Store Dispute Still Ongoing
Spotify's recent letter to the EU led to a massive rain on Apple's parade as it prepares for the DMA changes rolling in later this month, now facing a $2 billion fine from the governing body because of antitrust violations. Apple is known for speaking up against both Spotify and the EU, with the App Store still the culprit pointed to.
That being said, their rocky relationship is not yet leading to Spotify's ban on the App Store and will remain as a platform that lets its users subscribe outside Cupertino's jurisdictions.
Apple and Spotify's Run-ins
Spotify long boycotted Apple's App Store, particularly its in-app purchases, as the company asked new subscribers years ago to pay via other channels and not via Cupertino's. However, it was only in July of last year when the company grandfathered legacy iOS Spotify Premium subscribers, cutting them off at the next cycle and asking them to resubscribe again outside of Apple.
The Swedish streaming platform also reinforced its stand on why it is steering away from the Apple App Store, especially in regions outside the EU where there are still many restrictions of the company. Despite rumors behind Spotify coming back to Apple's IAPs (in-app purchases), the company clarified that no changes are coming to its current setup.
The looming enforcement of the Digital Markets Act is right around the corner, and despite these changes from Apple, Spotify is not backing away from its ground. After the massive fine against Apple thanks to Spotify's complaint, the company is not moved and will retain its decision to lead users into subscribing via third-party channels, and not of the App Store's IAP.
