Spotify takes charge with in-app payments for EU users, breaking free from Apple’s restrictions. The European Union’s Digital Markets Act sets the stage for Spotify’s revolution on March 7, enabling users to seamlessly upgrade subscriptions and purchase audiobooks within the app. Spotify’s VP, Gustav Gyllenhammar, expresses optimism, stating, ‘We’ve seen that the à la carte audiobooks business has not taken off materially yet. And we think that this is a key reason for that.’
“EU residents will finally be able to purchase a Premium subscription or upgrade from Individual to a Duo or a Family plan from within the app itself,” says Spotify. This means you won’t have to go through extra steps to pay for your favorite music or upgrade your subscription anymore.
The new rules, called the European Union’s Digital Markets Act, kick in on March 7. Spotify sees this as a chance to break free from the rules set by Apple, which used to take a big cut from every purchase made through their app.
Spotify’s move is not just about making things easier for users. They want to make it simple for people to buy audiobooks too. Gustav Gyllenhammar, Spotify’s Vice President, says, “We’ve seen that the à la carte audiobooks business has not taken off materially yet. And we think that this is a key reason for that.“
Starting March 7, Spotify plans to make changes bit by bit to let users do more within the app. But it depends on how Apple reacts to these changes. The new rules say Apple can’t charge extra fees or limit how app can accept payments.
Upgrading to their premium subscription could become a lot easier. It might also help their audiobook and podcasting sections grow because right now, buying individual audiobooks in the app is a bit tricky.
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Governments around the world are starting to keep a closer eye on big tech companies. They want to make sure these companies don’t have too much control. Spotify, along with other companies, is speaking up against the dominance of companies like Apple.
As these changes happen, we might see a more level playing field for apps. Spotify, being a major player, stands to benefit. But the real goal is to have many companies compete fairly without one company having too much power. It looks like regulators worldwide are finally doing something to make big tech more accountable.
Spotify’s decision to let EU users make in-app payments is a big deal. It’s about challenging the way big tech companies, especially Apple, have been doing business. As the new rules kick in, their move is just the beginning of a time of change for apps and their users.
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