Amazon has made a significant change to its Kindle app for iOS, allowing users to purchase e-books directly from within the app. This comes in response to a recent court decision that restricts Apple from enforcing a 27% commission on purchases made outside of its App Store.
The Court Ruling That Changed the Game
On April 30, 2025, Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers ruled against Apple in the ongoing Epic Games v. Apple lawsuit. The decision prevents Apple from blocking developers from offering alternative payment options or collecting additional commissions on purchases made outside of iOS apps. While Apple has filed an appeal against the ruling, it is complying with the decision for now, leading to immediate changes across various apps, including Kindle and Spotify.
What’s Changed for Kindle Users?
Before this update, purchasing e-books through the Kindle app was not possible due to Apple’s strict app store policies. Users had to navigate to Amazon’s website via a web browser, login there and then buy a book. It then gets synced to their Kindle app on iPhone or iPad devices.
Now, Kindle for iOS features a prominent “Get Book” button that allows users to purchase titles directly through the app itself. Amazon spokesperson Tim Gillman confirmed the update to The Verge, stating that the company is committed to enhancing user convenience.
Apple’s History of Restrictions
Apple initially imposed its in-app purchase restrictions in 2011, forcing developers to either pay a 30% cut on direct app sales or remove all external purchase options from their apps. This policy resulted in Kindle app users losing the ability to buy books directly for over a decade.
In January 2024, Apple introduced a 27% tax on alternate payment methods, further complicating the purchasing process. However, this court ruling has now forced Apple to loosen its grip on app-based transactions, at least for the time being.
What Happens Next?
While Apple is complying with the court order for now, the company said they are already filing an appeal, which could lead to another reversal of the decision. If Apple wins, Amazon may be forced to roll back these improvements, making book purchases through the Kindle app inconvenient again.
For now, however, Kindle users on iPhones and iPads can enjoy a seamless buying experience. Whether Apple’s appeal will succeed remains uncertain, but for now, e-book readers can celebrate this small victory for convenience.