Latest Kindle App Update for iOS Resolves Popular BookTok Ebook Purchase Issues

Recent updates to the Kindle app on iOS have addressed a significant issue raised by users on BookTok regarding the purchase of ebooks on their mobile devices. The primary complaint revolved around the inability to buy ebooks directly within the app, a restriction caused by the fees that developers must pay to Apple and Google—typically around 30% of each sale.

In response to these financial obligations, many companies, including Amazon, began excluding in-app ebook purchases. This change took effect in early 2022 and quickly became a contentious topic among BookTok creators, who expressed their frustration about the inconvenience of having to open a web browser to make a purchase instead of buying directly through the app.

One frustrated user lamented in a viral video, “The fact that in the year of our lord 2024, you cannot buy a Kindle book from the Kindle app… what?!” This sentiment resonated with many who echoed the sentiment in the comments, noting the difficulties in navigating the purchasing process from the Amazon app or web browser.

@turnoffrase
Someone please tell me I’m wrong and they’ve made Kindle in-app purchases a thing? #fyp #fypage #booktok #booktokera #kindle #kindleapp #apps #frustration #thoughts #thoughtsthatkeepmeupatnight #reading #readersoftiktok

♬ Bundle of Joy (From “Inside Out”) – Mark Northam

New “Get Book”Feature Enhances Kindle App on iOS

On May 6, 2024, Amazon announced a significant upgrade to the Kindle app for iOS that simplifies the process of purchasing ebooks. This update introduces a prominent “Get Book” button, replacing the previous message that indicated in-app purchases were not available.

However, selecting this new button still redirects users to a browser page rather than allowing for in-app purchases. Once redirected, readers can take advantage of the “Buy now with 1-click” feature on Amazon’s website.

Kindle book buying update — Image Source: Dexerto

While this new approach is a step in the right direction, it still requires more effort than simply tapping a button in the app. Notably, this enhancement applies only to the Kindle app, leaving the Amazon shopping app unchanged, where users continue to see the unavailability notification.

This update follows a recent legal development where a judge ruled in favor of Epic Games against Apple, reshaping app store policies. The new ruling permits developers to direct users to make purchases outside of their apps, a change likely to impact many online retailers. Consequently, Epic Games has signalled its intent to return Fortnite to the iOS App Store in the near future.

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