Spotify and others begin adding external payment links outside the App Store in the U.S.

Spotify, Epic Games, and Patreon are preparing app updates that enable users to make payments outside Apple’s App Store, according to The Verge.

The move follows a U.S. court ruling that requires Apple to allow developers to include links to alternative payment methods within their iOS apps.

Spotify has already submitted an updated version of its app for Apple’s review. The new version displays current subscription prices from Spotify’s official website — which are lower, as they exclude Apple’s 30% commission. Spotify called Apple’s previous restrictions “absurd,” saying they prevented even basic functionality.

Other services, including Epic Games and Patreon, are also working on similar changes. The shift marks a significant change in how users will experience payments on Apple’s platform — and signals broader disruption in the app economy.

Previously, a U.S. court barred Apple from collecting commissions on purchases made outside the App Store.

Under the court ruling, Apple can no longer:

• Charge fees or commissions for off-platform purchases
• Block or restrict external payment options
• Interfere with user choice or provide anything beyond a neutral message when linking to external sites

Epic Games, the company behind the original lawsuit, said it would return Fortnite to the App Store and drop all current and future litigation — if Apple waives commissions worldwide. Apple, for its part, strongly disagrees with the ruling and plans to appeal.

The original 2021 order required Apple to let developers offer alternative payment options. Apple failed to comply and instead introduced a 27% fee for such transactions, which sparked backlash — especially from Epic.