Sony announced a while back that they would be bringing a Sony Reader app to both Google’s Android platform and Apple’s iOS platform, which would let users purchase books from the Sony Reader Store.
Last week the Android version of Sony Reader App went live, and we were expecting the iOS version to follow shortly after, but it looks like Apple has rejected it from the App Store.
It seems the reason the Sony Reader App was rejected from the App Store is because it used its own ‘in app’ purchasing system to let users purchase books directly from the Sony Reader Store.
Apple’s In-App Purchase Policy
Apple has decided that any applications which use ‘in app’ purchases must use Apple’s own in-app purchase system. This policy ensures that Apple gets a 30% cut of all transactions made within apps. This move is a bit of a surprise considering that Apple had previously loosened up the rules on the app store after it came under criticism. The policy is designed to maintain a consistent user experience and to ensure that all transactions are secure and reliable. However, it also means that developers have less flexibility in how they monetize their apps.
This decision by Apple has significant implications for other companies that offer similar services. For instance, Amazon’s Kindle app also allows users to purchase books directly from the Amazon store. If Apple enforces this policy strictly, Amazon and other companies may have to rethink their strategies or face the possibility of their apps being removed from the App Store.
Impact on Other E-Book Providers
It isn’t clear as yet how this decision will affect other companies like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Kobo, who also offer free applications that have access to their online book stores. These companies have built extensive ecosystems around their e-book platforms, and any disruption could have far-reaching consequences. For example, Amazon’s Kindle app is one of the most popular e-book readers on iOS, and any changes to its purchasing system could impact millions of users.
Moreover, smaller e-book providers may find it even more challenging to compete if they are forced to give up a significant portion of their revenue to Apple. This could stifle innovation and limit the variety of e-book options available to consumers.
In addition to e-book providers, this policy could also impact other types of apps that offer digital content, such as music, video, and magazine subscriptions. Developers will need to carefully consider how they implement in-app purchases to comply with Apple’s guidelines while still providing value to their users.
The controversy surrounding Apple’s in-app purchase policy highlights the ongoing tension between platform owners and developers. While Apple has the right to set the rules for its platform, developers argue that they should have more freedom to choose how they monetize their apps. This debate is likely to continue as the app ecosystem evolves and new business models emerge.
via New York Times
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