In a long-anticipated and welcome shift, Spotify has rolled out a major update for iPhone users in the United States users can now purchase audiobooks directly within the app, including the ability to view prices and buy additional listening hours. This update comes on the heels of a pivotal U.S. court ruling that directed Apple to halt fees on external purchases, marking a significant moment in the ongoing evolution of digital marketplaces and user rights.
Until now, Spotify listeners on iOS faced an inconvenient detour: purchasing audiobooks via the web before accessing them in the app. That friction point is now a thing of the past. With this update, Spotify removes a longstanding barrier, offering a seamless audiobook experience within the app. Not only can users browse and buy titles instantly, but they can also top up their listening hours $13 for an additional 10 hours without ever leaving the platform.
“This change lowers the barriers for more users to embrace their first or tenth audiobook,” Spotify said in its announcement. And indeed, it’s more than just a UX upgrade; it’s a shift in how content is consumed, marketed, and monetized in a space traditionally shaped by Apple’s rigid in-app purchase policies.
This move is a strategic win for Spotify, publishers, and authors alike. It broadens accessibility, opens up revenue channels, and reinforces Spotify’s ambition to become a central hub for audio content not just music and podcasts, but a robust library of books as well. It also reflects a broader trend in the tech world: platforms reclaiming autonomy and pushing for fairer digital ecosystems.
As Spotify continues to expand its offerings and Apple navigates mounting antitrust pressure, the latest update signifies more than just a technical tweak it represents a milestone in the fight for platform independence and a victory for consumer convenience. For iPhone users who’ve been waiting to embrace audiobooks without the hurdles, this is finally the moment.
