- Spotify’s iOS app now allows U.S. users to buy audiobooks directly in the app.
- Users can view prices and purchase additional listening hours ($13 for 10 hours).
- The update follows a U.S. court ruling against Apple’s external purchase fees.
- This change simplifies the audiobook experience for iPhone users.
Spotify has just rolled out a major update for its iOS app, allowing U.S. iPhone users to purchase individual audiobooks directly within the app. This change, announced on Monday, May 19, 2025, marks a pivotal shift for Spotify users who love diving into audiobooks on the go.
No longer will you need to jump through hoops on the web to buy your next great listen. With this update, you can now browse audiobook prices, make purchases, and even top up your listening hours, all without leaving the app. It’s a seamless experience that makes enjoying audiobooks easier than ever.
This update comes on the heels of a U.S. court ruling that shook things up for Apple. The ruling mandated that Apple stop charging fees on purchases made outside its App Store, opening the door for companies like Spotify to offer more flexible payment options. For years, Spotify and other apps faced strict restrictions from Apple, which required in-app purchases to go through its payment system, often with hefty fees.
These rules forced Spotify to remove audiobook purchases from its iOS app in 2022, leaving users to buy audiobooks on the web before accessing them in the app. That process was clunky, to say the least, and frustrated many users who wanted a smoother experience.
Now, with Apple’s approval of this update, the barriers are coming down. Spotify highlighted the change as a way to help more people discover audiobooks, whether they’re picking up their first title or adding to a growing collection.
The company emphasized that this move benefits not only listeners but also publishers and authors, who can now reach new audiences more easily. The ability to see audiobook prices directly in the app is a game-changer, making it simpler for users to decide what to buy without navigating to a separate website.
Another exciting feature of the update is the ability to purchase additional listening hours, or “top-ups,” right within the app. Previously, iPhone users had to visit Spotify’s website to buy more hours once they used up the initial 15 hours included with their audiobook subscription.
Now, you can add 10 extra hours for $13 with just a few taps. This convenience eliminates the hassle of switching between the app and a browser, keeping your listening experience uninterrupted.
This isn’t the first time Spotify has pushed for more flexibility within Apple’s ecosystem. Earlier in May 2025, Spotify introduced an update that allowed iPhone users to purchase subscriptions outside the App Store, complete with pricing information and external payment links.
This move was another step toward giving users more control over how they pay for Spotify’s services. The latest audiobook update builds on that progress, showing Spotify’s commitment to improving the user experience while navigating Apple’s evolving policies.
For audiobook enthusiasts, this update is a breath of fresh air. It simplifies the process of finding, buying, and enjoying audiobooks, all within the familiar Spotify app. Whether you’re a casual listener or a dedicated audiobook fan, the ability to make purchases directly on your iPhone streamlines the entire experience.
It’s also a win for the audiobook industry, as easier access could encourage more people to give audiobooks a try, boosting sales for authors and publishers.
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