We mentioned a change to Apple Apps that apparently signaled either the end to Kindle for iPad, or a much diminished profit for Amazon.
AppleInsider has Apple’s response to these charges. Apparently, they have made changes to their App policy that got Sony’s Reader App rejected (to start the whole story), but are insisting on an either/or scenario for third-party apps.
Indeed, shoppers on iPad can use Amazon’s Kindle App for iPad to purchase at Amazon, but Apple now requires that there be an option given for the same shopper to purchase through iTunes. (They want the opportunity to make the sale so an “in App” option is required but not exclusive.)
Not nearly as terrifying as the story first sounded. (That’s probably why the news outlets that first picked it up spun it the way they did.) Of course, Apple doesn’t help when these changes are made without giving the marketplace due notice and/or an explanation.
1 comment
There’s still a problem. Amazon makes 30% on most ebook sales. From what I understand, Apple wants a 30% cut of sales. If the sale is routed through iTunes, Amazon will make zero profit.
It’s also a bit obnoxious to control everything the way Apple wants to. Remember their famous 1984 commercial? You might as well put Steve Jobs face up on that big screen now.