Spotify Moves to Expand Audiobook Access With In-App Purchases—If Apple Allows It
Spotify is poised to take a major step forward in reshaping the digital audiobook market. In a recently submitted app update to Apple, the streaming giant has requested the ability to sell audiobooks directly through its iOS app—allowing users to make a la carte purchases or, for Premium users, top up listening hours without leaving the platform.
This marks a potential turning point for Spotify’s audiobook ambitions and comes on the heels of a pivotal court ruling in Epic Games v. Apple, which granted developers more flexibility in communicating pricing and purchase options to users—long a point of contention between developers and Apple.
A Long-Awaited Workaround
Previously, Apple’s strict App Store rules barred Spotify from selling digital goods directly within its iOS app unless it paid a 30% commission on each transaction. That “Apple tax” not only cut into Spotify’s margins, but also prevented them from displaying pricing or directing users to external sites where purchases could be made.
Now, thanks to the court ruling, Spotify is looking to remove these roadblocks and offer a more seamless user experience—assuming Apple greenlights the update.
In a public announcement, Spotify emphasized what’s at stake: “This change also unlocks new revenue opportunities for audiobook publishers and authors, allowing them to reach fans and access new audiences seamlessly. In short, this freedom is a win for authors, audiences, and developers everywhere—if Apple approves and if the legal ruling stands despite Apple’s continued attempts to stop it.”
Why This Matters
Audiobooks represent a fast-growing slice of the publishing market, and Spotify has made no secret of its interest in becoming a dominant player. Last year, the company integrated audiobooks into its platform and introduced a credit-based model allowing Premium users 15 listening hours per month. Yet that model was stifled by iOS limitations, forcing users to leave the app to make purchases—an extra step that cost sales and frustrated listeners.
By enabling in-app purchases, Spotify can finally compete more directly with Audible, which has long benefitted from its tight integration with Amazon’s retail infrastructure.
A Boon for Authors and Publishers
Spotify’s move isn’t just a win for the platform—it’s a significant development for independent authors and publishers. A la carte audiobook sales have been difficult to scale in Apple’s walled garden, especially for smaller publishers without the resources to build custom purchase pathways. If Spotify’s update is approved, the result could be a new, more accessible revenue stream for creators—along with greater visibility for their titles.
What Comes Next
While Spotify’s update is submitted and waiting in Apple’s approval queue, there’s still uncertainty ahead. Apple has already hinted at plans to challenge the Epic ruling, and the company has been known to slow-walk or reject updates that push the boundaries of its guidelines.
Still, for now, optimism is high. If the update is approved and the court ruling holds, the digital audiobook experience on iOS could get a lot more user-friendly—and much more competitive.
A future where users can browse, purchase, and listen to audiobooks all within the Spotify app could be closer than ever. But as with all things involving Apple, the final word is still to come.