Amazon Kindle App on iOS Gets ‘Get Book’ Button After Apple Ruling: A Game Changer for Readers?
In a move that's sure to please avid readers, Amazon's Kindle app on iOS has finally added a "Get Book" button. This change comes in the wake of a recent court ruling in the Epic Games v. Apple case, a decision that prevents Apple from collecting commissions on purchases made outside of apps and restricting how developers direct users to alternative payment options. But how does this affect your reading experience, and is it here to stay?
Previously, buying books within the Kindle iOS app was a clunky experience. Apple's App Store rules essentially forced Amazon to remove any direct links or buttons that led to alternative payment methods to avoid Apple's commission. This meant users had to leave the app, navigate to Amazon's website via a browser, log in, and then purchase the ebook, only to later sync it back to the Kindle app. A rather cumbersome process, wouldn't you agree?
Thanks to the new ruling, things are different now. You'll find a prominent orange "Get Book" button on book listings within the Kindle app. As Amazon spokesperson Tim Gillman told The Verge, users can now complete their purchase through their mobile web browser with ease. This change brings much greater convenience.
Amazon isn't the only company taking advantage of this shift. Spotify has started allowing users to access pricing information and external payment links as well. But the real question remains: Will this update last?
Apple has appealed the court decision, meaning that there's a chance these improvements may be reversed. For now, though, the ability to quickly purchase ebooks on your iPhone or iPad, especially when your Kindle e-reader lacks reliable Wi-Fi, is a welcome change.
Comparing it to the past, where users had to jump through hoops to purchase books, this is a significant improvement. While it's not quite as seamless as an in-app purchase, which Amazon arguably wants to avoid paying Apple's commission on, it's a considerable step up.
In conclusion, the addition of the "Get Book" button is a win for Kindle users on iOS. It streamlines the ebook purchasing process and offers greater convenience. However, the future of this feature remains uncertain as Apple's appeal looms. Will Apple be successful, forcing our tedious workaround back into place? what are your thoughts on making it easier to buy Kindle books and if you are worried about it being taken away in the future? Share your opinions in the comments below!
