Google Play Books Avoids Apple Commission on iOS Purchases

Google Play Books Now Enables Direct Purchases on iOS

Google has received authorization to facilitate the direct sale of its e-books and audiobooks to consumers via its iOS application, Google Play Books. Currently, iOS applications can provide access to content acquired through other channels, such as e-books purchased on a website.

Bypassing App Store Commissions

However, developers typically need to secure a specific exemption to direct their iOS app users to their own websites for completing purchases. Google’s recent update circumvents this requirement.

As detailed in a recent blog post by Google, users can now utilize a new “Get book” button within the Google Play Books iOS app. This button redirects them to the Google Play website to finalize their e-book or audiobook acquisition.

Upon redirection, users will find listings of books they have recently accessed. They can then complete the transaction utilizing their Google Account and pre-saved payment details.

By processing transactions on its own web platform, Google effectively avoids the commission fees (typically 30%) levied by Apple on in-app digital content purchases.

Enhanced Family Sharing Capabilities

Furthermore, users of the iOS app will gain the ability to share their purchased books with family members through Google Play’s Family Library. This sharing functionality extends across various devices, including iOS, Android, and web-based platforms.

Leveraging the External Link Account Entitlement

This change was enabled through Google’s application for and approval of the External Link Account Entitlement. This entitlement originated from Apple’s settlement with the Japan Fair Trade Commission (JFTC) in 2022.

The entitlement specifically targets “reader apps” – applications designed primarily for accessing digital content like magazines, books, audio, music, and video. Developers must obtain additional approval from Apple and adhere to specific guidelines regarding website display, link formatting, and code referencing.

A mandatory full-screen notification must also be displayed, informing users that they are leaving the Apple ecosystem for transaction purposes after clicking the external link.

Following Netflix’s Lead

Netflix was an early adopter of this new rule in 2022, enabling users to subscribe to its service through its website.

Timing and Legal Considerations

Google has not publicly stated the reason for the timing of this implementation. It is possible that the company awaited the outcome of the legal dispute between Epic Games and Apple.

While the court ultimately determined that Apple did not operate as a monopolist, it did mandate that Apple permit app developers to link to their own websites if they so choose. The Supreme Court’s decision to decline hearing an appeal in January 2024 upheld the lower court’s ruling.

This allows Google to offer a more streamlined purchasing experience for its iOS users, while also reducing costs associated with Apple’s commission structure.