A significant update to the Amazon Kindle app on iOS makes it easier for readers to purchase e-books directly from Amazon’s website.
Book listings within the app now feature a prominent “Get book” button, The Verge reported Tuesday. When engaged, the button takes users to their default mobile web browser and the Amazon product page, where they can complete the purchase. The book is then synced to the library in the Kindle user’s app.
The moves comes in the wake of an April 30 court ruling by judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers, in the ongoing Epic Games v. Apple case. The order bars Apple from collecting a 27% commission on purchases made outside of apps or restricting developers from directing users to external payment methods.
The new feature is the first time since 2011 that Kindle app users on iPhones and iPads have been able to purchase books directly through the app. That was the year Apple began enforcing its 27% commission. In January 2024, Apple introduced a 30% commission on developers to use Apple’s in-app purchase system.
Without being able to make purchases, the Kindle app limited users to downloading book samples, managing a shopping list or reading titles they already owned.
“We regularly make improvements to our apps to help ensure we are providing customers the most convenient experience possible,” an Amazon spokesperson told The Verge. “By selecting ‘Get Book’ within the Kindle for iOS app, customers can now complete their purchase through their mobile web browser.”
Apple has appealed the ruling.
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