Hajra Naz
Buying Kindle books on your iPhone just got a whole lot easier.
Following a recent court ruling that ordered Apple to stop charging a 27% commission on purchases made through iOS apps, Amazon has updated its Kindle app for iOS. The app now includes a “Get Book” button, allowing users to seamlessly complete purchases through their mobile browser—something that wasn’t previously possible.
For years, iOS users couldn’t buy or even view prices for Kindle books directly in the app, due to Apple’s strict App Store rules and high commission fees on digital purchases. That’s now changing.
“We regularly make improvements to our apps to help ensure we are providing customers the most convenient experience possible,” said Amazon spokesperson Tim Gillman in a statement to The Verge. “By selecting ‘Get Book’ within the Kindle for iOS app, customers can complete their purchase through their mobile web browser.”
Amazon isn’t the only company moving quickly to take advantage of this new flexibility. Spotify, another long-time critic of Apple’s App Store policies, also began allowing users to view subscription prices and use external payment links last Friday.
This court decision is changing the game for app makers, especially when selling things like
- Books
- Music
- Subscriptions.
Developers now have more freedom to direct users to outside payment options. But Apple isn’t backing down just yet, it’s already filed an appeal, saying it disagrees with the ruling.
In the meantime, iPhone and iPad users are beginning to notice real changes in how they can buy and access content in some of their go-to apps. With Amazon making it easier to buy Kindle books and Spotify easing access to subscription options, this could signal the beginning of a more open digital marketplace on iOS devices.
