Google has gained permission to sell e -books and Audiobooks directly to customers through iOS app, Google Play Books. While iOS applications today can offer access to content previously purchased, such as e -books purchased through a website, developers must request a specific exception to connect iOS users to the company’s website to make purchases .
According to a short post Google’s blogUsers will now be able to click on a new “Get Book” button in the iOS Play Books Google app, which will transfer them to the Google Play website to complete their e -book or Audiobook purchase.
From there, users will be able to see recently opened book listings and complete a purchase using their Google account and save payment information.
By processing the transaction on its own site, Google can avoid Apple a supply (generally 30%) for in -app digital content markets.
In addition, users of the iOS application will be able to share their books with a family group from the Google Play family library, or the family member uses iOS, Android or tissue as a reader or listening device.
To allow this change, it appears that Google has applied for the exception called External Link Account Leadlement, which was originally introduced as a result of Apple’s settlement with Japanese regulatory authority, Japan Fair Trade Commission (JFTC) in 2022.
The rule focuses on “reader applications” – which means that the designed mainly to provide access to digital content, such as magazines, books, sound, music or videos. To use the right, developers must seek additional approval from Apple and then follow other rules on how to display the site when their external link takes place, how the link is shaped, how it is mentioned in the app code and much but.
It also specifies that users should see a full -screen announcement that warns them that they no longer deal with Apple after clicking on the external link.
Netflix was one of the first to adopt the new rule in 2022, making it possible to subscribe to subscription through its website.
Google did not explain why now it has now decided to offer immediate purchases, but maybe expecting the results of the treatment between Epic Games Fortnite Maker and Apple.
This case eventually found that Apple was not monopoly, but confirmed that Apple would have to allow application developers to connect with their own websites if they chose. The Supreme Court declined to hear the appeal in January 2024, leaving the initial ruling by the lower courts to stand.
