Apple gives green light to Spotify update, allowing US users to purchase audiobooks in-app

Apple gives green light to Spotify update, allowing US users to purchase audiobooks in-app

After years of restrictions, Spotify iOS users in the U.S. can now buy audiobooks and top-up listening hours directly within the app, thanks to Apple’s approval of a long-awaited update following a key court ruling.

By Vinod Darzi 21 May 2025

Image credits: Gettyimage

On Monday, Spotify revealed that Apple has signed off on a new app update, enabling iPhone users in the United States to buy individual audiobooks directly through the app. In addition to browsing audiobook prices, users can now conveniently purchase extra listening time beyond the included 15 hours.

“This update makes it easier for users to start or continue their audiobook journey, and helps authors and publishers expand their reach to more listeners,” Spotify stated in its announcement.

This long-anticipated change comes shortly after a U.S. court decision that directed Apple to stop collecting fees on purchases made outside its App Store.

Previously, iOS users had to go through the web to purchase audiobooks, as Spotify had disabled in-app purchases back in 2022 due to Apple’s restrictive policies. Now, with just a few taps, users can make audiobook purchases directly from within the iOS app, and also view pricing details upfront.

The update also simplifies the process of adding more listening time. iPhone users who needed to buy additional hours—known as “top-ups”—were once required to do so through the web. They can now complete these purchases inside the app, with each top-up providing 10 extra hours for $13.

Earlier this month, Spotify also started offering iPhone users the option to subscribe outside the App Store, following another Apple-approved update that included pricing details and external payment options.