In an exciting development for e-book and audiobook enthusiasts, Google has now obtained the green light to sell its digital reading material directly through the Google Play Books app on iOS devices. Traditionally, while iOS apps could facilitate reading or listening to previously purchased content, directing users to make additional purchases externally required a special exception from Apple.
Google’s recent announcement reveals a user-friendly enhancement: a new “Get book” button within the Google Play Books iOS app. This intuitive feature conveniently transports users to the Google Play website, where they can finalize their purchases using their Google Account and any saved payment methods.
This strategic move allows Google to sidestep Apple’s notorious in-app purchase commission, which can climb as high as 30%. Such a commission-free approach not only benefits Google but also enhances the user experience by simplifying transactions. Importantly, those who purchase through Google’s platform can seamlessly share their books across devices, thanks to Google Play’s Family Library. This feature caters to diverse tech environments, facilitating content sharing across iOS, Android, and web-based platforms.
To make this shift possible, Google leveraged the External Link Account Entitlement, a policy born from Apple’s settlement with Japan’s Fair Trade Commission in 2022. This rule primarily targets “reader apps,” which include apps centered around digital content like books, music, and video. Applying for this entitlement requires developers to adhere to Apple’s specifications, like how external links are presented and how users are notified that their transactions are moving outside Apple’s ecosystem.
Moreover, the policy stipulates that users be transparently informed when they’ve exited Apple’s domain, offering reassurance about the switch in transactional settings. Netflix was a pioneer in adapting to this rule, enabling users to subscribe via their own website as early as 2022.
While Google hasn’t explicitly explained the timing of this rollout, many speculate it may have been influenced by the legal saga between Epic Games and Apple. This high-stakes case reaffirmed that while Apple wasn’t deemed a monopolist, it must allow developers the option to direct users to their own purchasing websites.
This development is sure to entice book lovers keen on maximizing their digital library experience—without unnecessary financial detours. With these changes, Google continues to innovate, creating a more seamless and inclusive digital reading ecosystem for its global user base.
