Spotify announced on Monday that Apple will approve a new app update, allowing US iPhone users to purchase individual audiobooks directly within the app. Users can also view the audiobook prices and easily purchase additional listening time for the first 15 hours or more.
“The change will lower the barriers to accepting the first or tenth audiobook for more users, allowing publishers and authors to reach fans and seamlessly access to new audiences,” the company wrote in its announcement.
The much-anticipated update follows a recent US court ruling that ordered Apple to suspend claims for purchases made outside the App Store.
The ability to purchase audiobooks directly within the iOS app and check pricing is a major improvement for users who had to buy audiobooks online before accessing them within the app. Spotify removed audiobook purchases in 2022 due to Apple’s strict rules regarding in-app purchases. Now users can tap several times to purchase an audiobook.
Additionally, iPhone users had to go to the web to purchase more listening time, previously known as “top-up.” Updates allow you to create these purchases directly within the app. Each top-up costs $13 for 10 hours.
Earlier this month, Spotify approved an update that allowed Apple to access pricing information and external payment links, allowing iPhone users to purchase subscriptions outside the App Store.