Spotify’s iPhone App Update Could Let You Buy Audiobooks Directly: What to Know

Wondering if Spotify’s iPhone app will finally allow you to buy audiobooks directly? You’re not alone. Spotify has officially submitted an update that, if approved, will enable iPhone users to view audiobook pricing and purchase titles through external links—without Apple's hefty commissions. This move, centered around Spotify audiobooks on iPhone, answers a long-standing frustration for users who wanted a smoother, more affordable way to access digital books on iOS devices.

Spotify’s Move to Sell Audiobooks Directly on iPhone

Spotify is taking a major step toward making audiobook purchases simpler and more transparent for iPhone users in the U.S. On May 9, 2025, Spotify announced it had submitted an app update to Apple for approval. This update would allow users not only to view the price of audiobooks within the app but also to tap a direct external link to purchase them — a huge improvement compared to the previous, tedious process.

The update would also empower Spotify Premium subscribers to easily buy "top-ups" for extra audiobook listening time. This potential change marks a pivotal shift in the audiobook market, putting pressure on Apple’s App Store policies and creating more competition, ultimately benefiting both consumers and independent authors.

The Legal Battle Behind Spotify’s Push for External Purchases

Spotify’s update comes directly in response to a major court ruling from Epic Games v. Apple. Last week, Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers found Apple in “willful violation” of a 2021 injunction, specifically criticizing Apple's 27% commission on external link purchases. As part of the judgment, Apple must stop restricting developers from guiding users toward external purchase options and must allow pricing information to be displayed openly.

Following this court order, Spotify quickly moved to give users more purchasing freedom, and it’s not alone. Apps like Amazon Kindle, Delta Emulator, and Patreon are also beginning to take advantage of this less restrictive environment, creating a wave of innovation across the iOS ecosystem.

How Spotify Previously Handled Audiobook Purchases

Spotify’s relationship with audiobooks on iOS has been rocky. Originally, the company tried to sidestep Apple’s rules by withholding pricing information inside the app and emailing purchase links separately. Eventually, this led Spotify to pull audiobook purchases from the iOS app entirely — frustrating users and leading to lost sales.

This new update, if approved, could finally solve that problem by allowing seamless in-app discovery combined with an easy click-out to complete purchases. That means no more confusing workarounds or unnecessary steps for users interested in expanding their audiobook libraries.

Why This Change Matters for Users, Authors, and Developers

Spotify argues that this update is about leveling the playing field. By offering transparent pricing and direct links, developers can offer users a more intuitive buying experience without paying Apple’s inflated transaction fees. For users, it translates to more choices and potentially lower audiobook prices. For independent authors and publishers, it could mean better royalties and more visibility in the crowded digital marketplace.

In Spotify’s own words, "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."

What Happens Next?

Despite this major shift, Apple has already filed an appeal to halt the court’s order. Until that appeal is decided, there's still a layer of uncertainty about whether Spotify’s proposed changes will go live.

If Apple’s appeal fails, it would set a precedent that forces broader App Store reforms, benefiting not just Spotify but countless other developers who want fairer access to their customers. On the flip side, a successful appeal could delay or even block Spotify's new audiobook buying options altogether.

For now, users eager to buy Spotify audiobooks on iPhone with fewer restrictions will have to stay tuned — but the outlook has never looked brighter.