- An incoming version of Spotify’s iOS app includes changes in audiobooks
- If it is approved by Apple it allows you to buy audiobooks via links from the app
- Premium -subscribers will also be able to buy ‘top up’ hours to audiobooks
Spotify Seems to improve its iOS experience for audio book fans in the US by allowing them to buy audiobooks (via links) and ‘Top Up’ hours from the Spotify app.
The streaming giant has submitted an update to its App Store list to Apple that would allow it to add links and price information to audiobooks to the Spotify app, allowing users in the US to use external links to buy audiobooks.
If Spotify’s iPhone app update is approved by Apple, non-premium users will be able to buy individual audiobooks and Premium subscribers can buy additional ‘Top Up’ hours for audiobook listening.
Spotify already offers 15 free monthly hours of audiobooks streaming for premium users, and this update gives them access to even more of Spotify’s library with audiobooks if they are willing to pay.
This news follows Spotify’s recent iOS updateAs it issued in response to the epic games against Apple Legal Battle, which resulted in Apple facing its control over the App Store.
Why does this happen?
Apple had previously limited the extent to which developers could advertise and use link-to-payment options outside the App Store-where Apple could take 30% cut from the app purchase.
Since this decision, Apple has been ordered to stop taking commissions from purchases made via external links, creating the possibility that Spotify seeks to earn more revenue from the purchase of the App Store.
In a blog post, Spotify said: “It helps to smooth the game field by allowing developers to offer basic price information and easily accessible links to buy digital items via iPhones without unnecessary steps or additional taxes charged by Apple.
This change also locks new revenue options for audiobook publishers and authors, giving them the opportunity to reach fans and access new audiences. “
Previously, Spotify tried to get around the Apple App Store limits by not showing audiobook prices in the app, instead of e -mailing links to users where they could buy audiobooks online.
This change would make a huge difference to Spotify’s audiobook library and would mean that the streaming service does not have to take alternative measures to improve audio book access and revenue options. Now we’re just waiting for Spotify to show a similar sense of urgent character in bringing us Spotify HiFi.
