In a move to circumvent Apple’s revenue cut, Spotify removed in-app purchases from its iOS app a few years ago. Recent reports suggested that the company might be considering reinstating in-app purchases, but Spotify has now officially stated that there are no plans to reintroduce in-app purchase support.
Earlier speculations arose from code strings found within the Spotify app that hinted at in-app purchases. However, Spotify’s global head of corporate and policy communications, Farshad Shadloo, clarified in a statement to The Verge that enabling in-app payments is not part of their current plans. Shadloo emphasized, “We have no plans to switch IAP [in-app payments] on at the moment.”
Spotify had eliminated the option to subscribe via Apple’s in-app purchase system back in 2016. Notably, the streaming service recently took a more stringent stance by removing legacy subscribers still using App Store billing. This move contradicts the idea of reinstating in-app purchase support in the near future.
Spotify’s CEO, Daniel Ek, has been vocal about criticizing Apple and the App Store, alleging the company’s significant control over the internet. In a strategic reorientation, Spotify disclosed plans to lay off approximately 17% of its workforce, amounting to 1,500 employees.
