On Monday, Spotify announced that Apple had given the green light for a new app update. This update will enable U.S. iPhone users to conveniently purchase individual audiobooks within the app. Not only can users see the prices of these audiobooks, but they can also easily purchase more listening hours beyond the initial 15.
According to the company’s announcement, “This change lowers the barriers for more users to embrace their first — or tenth — audiobook, while allowing publishers and authors to reach fans and access new audiences seamlessly.”
The much-anticipated update comes after a recent court directive in the U.S., which mandated that Apple cease charging fees for transactions made outside of the App Store.
The convenience of purchasing audiobooks directly in the iOS app and viewing their prices is a welcomed upgrade for users who used to have to buy them on the web before accessing them within the app. Spotify discontinued offering audiobook purchases in 2022 due to Apple’s stringent regulations on in-app transactions. Luckily, users can now easily purchase an audiobook with just a few taps.
iPhone users used to have to go online to buy extra listening hours, known as “top-ups.” But with the latest update, they can now buy these extra hours right in the app. Each top-up gives them 10 more hours for $13.
Earlier this month, Spotify took a big step by allowing iPhone users to buy subscriptions outside of the App Store. This change came after Apple approved an update that lets users see pricing details and access payment links outside the app.
