Apple Eases App Store Rules After Court Order, Spotify Quickly Adopts External Payments

Last Updated May - 03 - 2025, 05:02 PM | Source : Fela News

Apple now allows U.S. app developers to link to external payment platforms following a court order. Spotify is the first major app to adopt the change, bypassin

Apple has eased its App Store payment policies following a stern court order, now allowing developers to link to external payment platforms. This shift enables users to make purchases outside the App Store, bypassing Apple’s commission fees. The change came just two days after a US judge accused Apple of defying a previous court ruling and hinted at potential criminal liability.

Spotify quickly took advantage, announcing that it can now clearly display pricing and purchase links within its U.S. app. Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney praised Spotify for becoming the first major app to exercise this new right, calling it a win against Apple’s “obstruction” and “junk fees.”

The shift stems from a legal battle Epic Games launched in 2021, challenging Apple’s tight control over in-app purchases. Although the court ruled Apple doesn’t hold a monopoly, it mandated the company allow alternative payment options.

Apple plans to appeal but will comply for now. Analysts say this won’t significantly hurt Apple’s revenue, as services like iCloud and streaming remain strong, and the App Store still benefits smaller developers lacking resources for external systems.