Core Points - United Airlines will offer curated Spotify playlists, audiobooks, and video podcasts on seatback screens, marking a first for Spotify in the airline industry [1] - The collaboration aims to enhance the inflight experience for millions of passengers by providing access to premium content from popular artists, authors, and podcasters [2] - In the following year, passengers will have the ability to log into the Spotify app using their personal devices on the inflight entertainment screen [2]

Core Viewpoint - A federal judge has ruled that Apple can no longer collect commissions on transactions occurring outside the App Store, which poses a significant challenge to its high-margin services business [1][6]. Financial Impact - The immediate financial impact of the ruling is uncertain, but it introduces risks to Apple's commission-based revenue model [2][9]. - Apple's services business reported record revenues of $26.6 billion, growing by 11.6%, although this growth has slowed from 14% in the previous quarter [3][4]. Business Model Changes - The ruling stems from a prior injunction related to the Epic Games lawsuit, which required Apple to allow third-party payment links, thus affecting its ability to charge a 30% commission [6][8]. - Apple estimated that the revenue impact of moving to a no-commission model could range from hundreds of millions to billions, depending on developer adoption rates [8]. Competitive Landscape - The ruling may enable companies like Epic and Spotify to attract Apple customers to transact directly, potentially diminishing Apple's revenue from the App Store [7][8]. - In 2022, App Store developer billings reached $1.1 trillion, with over 90% of that amount going to developers without any commission paid to Apple [8]. Ongoing Legal Challenges - Apple plans to appeal the ruling, indicating that the commission-based model is facing significant uncertainty moving forward [9].

Streaming giant Spotify on Friday announced that Apple approved an app update it submitted to revise how the music streaming service displays its pricing information and purchase links after a judge ordered the iPhone maker to give app developers more ability to communicate with their customers. A federal judge on Wednesday issued an order that found Apple was in "willful violation" of a 2021 injunction and was now required to stop restricting how app developers can communicate information to app users abou ...

Spotify said Friday (May 2) that Apple approved a U.S. app update that Spotify submitted Thursday (May 1) after a court ruling in the lawsuit Epic Games brought against Apple.“After nearly a decade, this will finally allow us to freely show clear pricing information and links to purchase, fostering transparency and choice for U.S. consumers,” Spotify News said in a Friday post on social platform X. “There is more work to do, but today represents a significant milestone for developers and entrepreneurs every ...

Group 1 - Apple has approved Spotify's U.S. app update, allowing users to access pricing information and external payment links, following a U.S. judge's order to stop charging commissions on in-app purchases [1][4] - Spotify's spokesperson highlighted that this update represents a significant milestone for transparency and choice for U.S. consumers, enabling lower prices and more control over subscriptions [2][3] - The updated app version 9.0.40 is now available on the App Store, making Spotify one of the first major apps to implement these changes [2][3] Group 2 - The U.S. District Judge ruled that Apple violated an order to reform its App Store, indicating that Apple willfully failed to comply with the order to allow developers to direct customers to their websites for purchases [5]

Core Viewpoint - Spotify has submitted a new app update to Apple following a court ruling that requires Apple to ease restrictions on developers' communication with customers, allowing for improved subscription management and payment options [1][4]. Group 1: Spotify's App Update - The app update will enable U.S. consumers to view subscription pricing details, promotional information, and other relevant details directly within the Spotify app [2]. - Users will have the ability to click links to purchase or change subscriptions seamlessly [2]. - The update will also allow U.S. consumers to utilize payment options beyond Apple's payment system, enhancing the purchasing experience [3]. Group 2: Legal Context and Reactions - The court ruling, stemming from a case brought by Epic Games, mandates that Apple must stop restricting developers' ability to communicate with customers without incurring charges [1][4]. - Spotify criticized Apple's previous restrictions as an abuse of market power, emphasizing the absurdity of not being able to offer basic services despite the judge's order from four years ago [4]. - Epic Games plans to return its game Fortnite to the U.S. iOS App Store following the court ruling, indicating a potential shift in the competitive landscape [5].