By Kelvin Chan
LONDON (AP) – Apple users are beginning to break free from the iPhone maker’s so-called “wall gardens.”
For years, the company blocked app developers from notifying people about payment methods for subscriptions and services that do not involve going through their own iOS app store.
Some apps didn’t like this. This is why I couldn’t pay for my Spotify subscription from the app.
But that changed last month when US District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers issued a poignant decision against Apple that promised to shake up the iPhone app payments ecosystem.
She ordered Apple to demolish barriers around previous exclusive payment systems for digital transactions within the app, allowing developers to provide links to alternative options. She also ordered Apple to stop app makers from communicating directly with users via the app, informing them about transactions and offers. She told Apple not to charge new fees for purchases made outside the App Store.
Some companies, including Spotify, have moved quickly to leverage judges’ requests with app updates.
See how iPhone users (at least in the US) can make the most of your changes.
Spotify
Spotify customers previously had to visit the website to pay for their music streaming subscription. This is because Spotify long ago removed its in-app payment options in protest of Apple’s practice of requiring digital subscriptions to be purchased only through the iOS app, while still obtaining a fee of up to 30%.
Following the US app update, Spotify said users will “finally see how much the app will cost, including details on subscription pricing and information about promotions that will save you money.”
For Spotify listeners, you can scroll through the app’s various subscription plans to see prices. Free users who want to upgrade to a premium subscription can sign up by tapping the button directly into the app. Existing premium users can easily switch to another subscription level with just a tap of a button.
In another update, the company said users can view individual audiobook prices and purchase within the Spotify app. Premium subscribers can also purchase “top-up” time for audiobook listening if they make the most of their 15 free listening times per month.
An epic game
Gamers can be pleased. Five years after Apple expelled Fortnite, which had tried to introduce a direct payment plan to bypass the App Store, the popular game has returned to iOS.
After Apple first refused to approve Fortnite’s bid, the comeback came on Jeopardy this week after Apple became lenient this week and cleared the app for our users. It also returned to the European Union, where alternative app markets have been mandatory since last year.
Fortnite Maker Epic Games previews the new payment button in the updated app, allowing players to purchase V-Bucks currency and spend on costumes, character “cosmetics” like dance moves known as “Emotes.” One button leads to Apple’s in-app purchase system, while the other is for Epic’s own payment system, allowing you to earn up to 20% extra V-backs on your account.
Kindle
Amazon updated its Kindle app and added buttons to make it easier for users to purchase books directly from their iPhone.
Previously, users could only look up books and download sample apps, but they didn’t have the option to buy them directly. They had to open a web browser and log in to their Amazon account to make a purchase, or buy from Kindle Reader.
Currently, US readers can tap the new “Get Book” button in the Kindle iOS app. This states that the e-commerce giant will bring it directly to a mobile web browser to complete the purchase.
“We regularly improve our apps to ensure that we are providing our customers with the most useful experience possible,” Amazon said in a statement.
Patreon
If you want to support online creators by paying for podcasts, videos, music and other content with Patreon, you have the option to bypass Apple when purchasing a subscription.
As the subscription platform has updated its iOS app, fans of US purchase memberships have the option to skip Apple’s checkout options, including a 30% fee, and instead use Patreon’s own checkout options.
The update app allows fans to pay directly from the Patreon app by tapping the join button. You can use a credit card, PayPal, Venmo, or Apple Pay mobile wallet. According to screenshots posted on Patreon’s website, there is an option to stick to Apple’s in-app purchase system.
Patreon said the update will not be applicable to fans from other countries. But that means creators based outside the US who have access to new payment options for fans in the country.
Based on Apple’s feedback, the platform said it could ultimately move alternative checkout methods to an external browser to continue avoiding the addition of additional charges.
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Original release: May 23, 2025, 1:23pm
