Amazon has introduced a significant update to its Kindle iOS app, enabling users to purchase ebooks directly within the app on iPhone and iPad devices. The addition of a new “Get book” button marks a departure from Amazon’s previous workaround, which required users to buy books through a web browser to avoid Apple’s in-app purchase fees. This change follows recent adjustments to Apple’s App Store policies, spurred by legal and regulatory pressures.

For years, Amazon avoided offering in-app book purchases in its Kindle iOS app to sidestep Apple’s 30 percent cut on in-app transactions or the 27 percent tax on alternative payment methods introduced in January 2024. Instead, users had to navigate to Amazon’s online store via a browser, log in, and purchase ebooks, which would then sync to the Kindle app. This clunky process frustrated many users, as it disrupted the seamless experience expected from a mobile app.

You can now buy books in your Kindle app on iOS!

The update comes in the wake of Apple’s legal battles, notably its dispute with Epic Games, which challenged Apple’s control over in-app payments. Public reactions reflect user excitement over the change, with one noting, “You can now buy books in your Kindle app on iOS! The judge has saved millions of people the bizarre frustration of looking all over the iOS Kindle app in vain for a way to buy.” Another comment highlighted the broader context, stating that Amazon’s move was enabled by Apple’s setback in the Epic Games case, which loosened restrictions on alternative payment systems.

The new “Get book” feature streamlines the purchasing process, allowing users to browse, buy, and read ebooks without leaving the app. While Amazon has not publicly detailed the financial arrangement with Apple, the update suggests a resolution that balances user convenience with the company’s desire to minimize transaction fees.

This development is a win for Kindle users, who can now enjoy a more integrated experience on iOS devices. It also underscores the evolving landscape of app store policies, where legal and competitive pressures are reshaping how tech giants like Apple and Amazon operate. As one user quipped, “Apple should be thanking the judge for making the phone more useful!”

The updated Kindle iOS app is available now, and users can start purchasing books directly through the app on their iPhones and iPads.