You can now easily buy audiobooks on Spotify’s iPhone app

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Spotify users on iPhones can now easily buy audiobooks directly through the Spotify app. 

Until recently, Apple had strict rules for apps on its App Store, preventing companies like Spotify from showing prices or letting users buy things like audiobooks directly. 

If a user wanted to buy an audiobook, they had to go through a confusing process outside the app. But now, that’s changed.

Thanks to a recent court decision in the Epic Games vs Apple case, Apple can no longer stop app developers from telling users about ways to make purchases outside of the App Store. 

It also can’t charge a fee for purchases made elsewhere. This ruling has forced Apple to loosen some of its tight controls, and Spotify has taken full advantage.

Spotify had pulled audiobook purchases from its iPhone app back in 2022, accusing Apple of limiting fair competition. 

But now, with Apple approving Spotify’s app update, users in the US can see audiobook prices and buy them more easily, without going through Apple’s system. 

Spotify Premium users can also buy more listening hours if they need them.

Spotify is not alone in using this new freedom. Other apps like Kindle, Patreon, and a gaming emulator called Delta have also made updates to give users more purchasing options. 

Meanwhile, Epic Games, which started the whole legal battle, is still working to get its popular game Fortnite back into the App Store.

Spotify believes this is a win for everyone: listeners, authors, and publishers. The company says the update will make it easier for people to enjoy audiobooks, whether they’re just getting started or are already fans. 

“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 company said in an announcement. 

It also means authors and publishers can reach more listeners without being blocked or limited by Apple’s old rules.

What do you think about this new change from Spotify? Have you bought audiobooks on Spotify? Tell us what you think below in the comments, or via our Twitter or Facebook.