Google has been granted permission to sell its e-books and audiobooks directly to customers through its iOS app, Google Play Books. While iOS apps can currently provide access to content previously purchased elsewhere, such as e-books purchased from a website, developers must request a special exception to send users of their iOS apps to the company’s own website to make purchases.
According to a short post on Google’s blog, users will now be able to tap on a new “Get Book” button in the Google Play Books for iOS app, which will redirect them to the Google Play website to complete their ebook or audiobook purchase.
From there, users will be able to browse recently discovered book listings and complete the purchase using their Google account and stored payment information.
By processing the transaction on its own website, Google can avoid paying Apple commissions (typically 30%) for in-app purchases of digital content.
In addition, iOS app users will be able to share their books with family members from the Google Play Family Library, regardless of whether the family member uses iOS, Android, or the web as a reading or listening device.
To enable this change, Google appears to have applied for an exception called the External Link Account Entitlement, which was originally introduced as a result of Apple’s agreement with Japanese regulator, the Japan Fair Trade Commission (JFTC) in 2022.
The rule focuses on “reader apps” – i.e., those designed primarily to provide access to certain digital content, such as magazines, books, audio, music, or video. To exercise this right, developers must obtain additional permission from Apple and then follow other rules regarding the display of the website when clicking on an external link, the formatting of the link, referencing it in the program code, etc.
It also states that after clicking on an external link, users will have to see a full-screen ad warning them that they are no longer transacting with Apple.
Netflix was one of the first to adopt the new rule in 2022, making it possible to subscribe through its website.
Google did not explain why it decided to offer direct purchases only now, but it may have been waiting for the outcome of the lawsuit between Fortnite developer Epic Games and Apple.
This case ultimately revealed that Apple is not a monopolist, but confirmed that Apple should allow app developers to link to their own websites if they want to. In January 2024, the Supreme Court refused to hear the appeal, upholding the original decision of the lower courts.
