Kindle iOS App Now Allows Direct eBook Purchases
A significant development in the digital publishing landscape has emerged following the outcome of the Epic Games v. Apple lawsuit. The ruling, which prohibits Apple from enforcing its 27 percent commission on purchases made outside its App Store and preventing developers from directing users to alternative payment methods, has had a direct impact on the functionality of the Amazon Kindle iOS app.
Previously, purchasing eBooks through the Kindle iOS app involved a cumbersome process. Users were forced to navigate to Amazon's website via an external browser, log in, and then wait for the purchased book to synchronize with the app. This workaround was necessary to circumvent Apple's App Store policy, which initially forbade developers from including links to external purchase options and later levied a 27 percent fee on top of the existing 30 percent in-app purchase fee.
Enhanced User Experience
With a recent update, the Kindle app now offers a streamlined purchase process. Users will find a convenient "Get Book" button adjacent to each title. Tapping this button redirects users to a mobile web browser to complete the transaction, significantly improving the user experience.
While Apple is appealing the court's decision, the immediate impact is a marked improvement for Kindle users on iOS devices. This change restores much of the convenience that was a hallmark of the Kindle platform, a key factor in its success in the e-reader market. The long-standing friction in purchasing books directly through the app has been alleviated, providing a more seamless and intuitive reading experience for users.
Source: Mashable