Spotify will undergo significant changes when the European Union’s Digital Markets Act comes into effect on March 7. The audio streaming service says EU residents will finally be able to purchase a premium subscription or switch from an individual to a duo or family plan within the app itself. Spotify has not allowed users to pay for subscriptions through Apple’s internal payment system since 2016 and has long been a vocal critic of the 30% cut the iPhone maker takes from app developers. It even stopped accepting Apple payments last year – previously allowing iOS users who signed up before 2016 to continue paying through Apple’s internal payment system.
And with Spotify launching its internal payments, users will also be able to easily buy audiobooks while browsing them in the app. Yes, users will be charged real amounts for subscriptions and purchases, and will no longer have to pay additional Apple fees. Users who previously paid through Apple’s internal system were charged an additional $3 on top of the Spotify subscription price, but the EU DMA prohibits this practice.
In addition to being able to implement its internal payment system, Spotify will also be able to place prices within the app. It currently displays a note for its products that lists the price, telling users that they are not available for in-app purchases. When the DMA goes into effect, Spotify will display the prices of its products and will be able to start informing iOS users about offers and promotions right in the app.
“It should be just as easy for every Spotify user around the world,” the company said in a statement. “But if you live outside certain markets, you’ll continue to face annoying obstacles due to Apple’s ridiculous rules. That’s why developers around the world continue to ask other governments to pass their laws like the DMA.”
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