Spotify Updates App After Court Rules Against Apple Imposing Commissions: “A More Level Playing Field”

Helping usher in a new era of technology over the last few decades, Apple watched as its net worth ballooned to over $3 trillion. Becoming one of the biggest companies in the world, it seemed like an impossible battle when Spotify wanted the company to allow users to access pricing options on their IOS App. Wanting users to have the ability to make purchases and even change their subscription service on the app, Apple imposed commissions. But on Wednesday, a U.S. Federal Judge ruled against Apple, allowing Spotify to move forward with an app update to include the changes. 

Spending over a decade at odds with Apple, Spotify wasted no time updating their app as they submitted a new version on Thursday, just a day after the ruling. Speaking about the massive accomplishment, Spotify spokesperson Jeanne Moran released a statement, reading, “After nearly a decade, this will finally allow us to freely show clear pricing information and links to purchase.”

Just the first step, Moran added there was still a great deal of work to do with developers. “There is more work to do, but today represents a significant milestone for developers and entrepreneurs everywhere who want to build and compete on a more level playing field.”

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Apple Not Happy Over Judge Ruling In Favor Of Spotify

Becoming one of the first apps to go against Apple and win, Spotify users now have pricing information and are able to make changes to their subscription within the app. Users can even use a different payment option other than the ones supported by Apple. 

Although complying with the court’s orders, an Apple spokesperson insisted the company would appeal the decision, “We strongly disagree with the decision. We will comply with the court’s order, and we will appeal.” 

As for the commissions, the judge overlooking the case, Judge Gonzales Rogers revealed that Apple imposed a 27 percent commission on Spotify. The company even placed pop-ups that encouraged users not to make purchases outside the app store due to not being secure. 

Not the only company to force commissions against apps, Google Play also used the same tactics. Reports showed both companies took anywhere from 15% to 30% of in-app sales from top-performing apps. 

(Photo Illustration by Mateusz Slodkowski/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)