Google Play Books Purchases on iOS now skirt

Google was authorized to sell its e -books and audio books directly to customers through its iOS app, Google Play Books. Although today iOS applications may offer access to content purchased elsewhere, such as e-books purchased through a website, developers must ask for a specific exception to connect their iOS app users to the company’s own website to make purchases.

According to a brief publication of Google blogUsers will now be able to click on a new “Get Book” button on the Google Play Books iOS app, which will take them to the Google Play website to fill in their online book or audio book.

From there, users will be able to see their recently open book lists and complete a purchase using their Google account and saved payment information.

By processing the transaction on its own website, Google can avoid paying an Apple commission (usually 30%) when purchasing digital content in the application.

In addition, users of the iOS app will be able to share their books with a family group from the Google Play Family Library, whether the family member uses iOS, Android or on the web as its reading or listening device.

To enable this change, it seems that Google is applied to an exception called the right to an external relationship that was initially introduced as a result of Apple settlement with a Japanese regulator, The Japanese Fair Trade Commission (JFTC) in 2022.

The rule focuses on “reader applications” – which means those designed mainly to provide access to some digital content, such as magazines, books, audio, music or video. In order to use the right, developers must request further approval From Apple and then follow other rules on how the website is displayed when their external connection is clicked, how to format the connection, how it is mentioned in the application code and others.

He also states that users will have to see a full -screen message, warning them that they are no longer done with Apple after they click on the outside connection.

Netflix was among the first to adopt the new rule in 2022, making it possible to register for a subscription through it WebsiteS

Google did not explain why he has just now decided to offer direct purchases, but he may have waited for the results of the lawsuit between Epic Games Fortnite Maker and Apple.

This case eventually found that Apple was not a monopoly, but confirmed that Apple would have to allow application developers to connect to their own websites if they decide. Thehe The Supreme Court refused to hear the complaint In January 2024, leaving the original decision from the lower courts to stand.