Why Can’t I Buy Kindle Books on the Amazon App? The Apple Tax Strikes Again!

The reason you can’t directly purchase Kindle books on the Amazon app (on iOS and Android devices) boils down to a rather unglamorous reason: app store policies, particularly those of Apple and Google. Both companies, who control their respective app stores, demand a commission (typically 30%) on digital goods sold through their platforms. This “tax,” as it’s often called, significantly cuts into Amazon’s profit margin on Kindle book sales. Rather than surrender a significant portion of their revenue to these tech giants, Amazon made the strategic decision to disable in-app book purchases. In essence, Amazon directs users to purchase books on their website to avoid these fees. It’s a battle for revenue control playing out in the digital marketplace, affecting how you buy your next great read.

Understanding the App Store Ecosystem and its Impact

Let’s delve into the intricacies of how app store policies dictate your Kindle book buying habits.

The Apple/Google Commission Conundrum

The crux of the matter lies in the commission demanded by Apple (for iOS) and Google (for Android) on in-app purchases. Both companies require apps that sell digital goods, such as ebooks, music, or subscriptions, to use their in-app purchase systems. These systems come with a hefty price tag: a 30% commission on each transaction.

For Amazon, a company known for its tight margins and competitive pricing, paying a 30% commission on every Kindle book sold through the app would be detrimental to their profitability. They would either have to increase the price of Kindle books (making them less competitive), accept a significant loss on each sale, or find another way to circumvent the fee. They chose the latter.

Amazon’s Strategic Response: Redirecting to the Web

To avoid the app store commission, Amazon opted to disable the ability to purchase Kindle books directly within the Amazon app on iOS and Android devices. Instead, they redirect users to their website (Amazon.com) to make their purchases. This allows Amazon to bypass the app store’s payment system and retain the full revenue from the sale.

When you try to purchase a Kindle book through the Amazon app on an iPhone or Android device, you’ll often encounter a message indicating that the purchase option is unavailable. This is not a bug; it’s a deliberate design choice driven by the economics of app store policies.

Benefits and Drawbacks for the Consumer

While Amazon benefits from avoiding the commission, the consumer experiences a slightly less seamless purchasing process. Instead of a one-click purchase within the app, you need to:

• Navigate to the Amazon website (either through a mobile browser or a desktop computer).
• Find the desired Kindle book.
• Complete the purchase.

This extra step can be slightly inconvenient, especially for users accustomed to the ease of in-app purchases. However, most users get used to this process.

On the flip side, by avoiding the commission, Amazon can keep Kindle book prices competitive, ultimately benefiting the consumer. If Amazon were to absorb the 30% fee or increase prices to compensate, Kindle books might become less attractive compared to other reading options.

The Wider Implications

This situation is not unique to Amazon and Kindle books. Many other companies selling digital goods through apps have faced similar challenges with app store commissions. It highlights the broader power dynamics between app developers and the companies that control the app store ecosystems.

App Store Policies and Antitrust Concerns

The high commission rates charged by Apple and Google have drawn scrutiny from regulators and antitrust authorities worldwide. Critics argue that these companies wield too much power over the app economy and that their commission policies stifle innovation and competition.

Alternative Payment Systems and the Future of App Stores

The debate over app store commissions has fueled discussions about alternative payment systems and the need for more open and competitive app store ecosystems. Some companies are exploring ways to bypass the traditional app stores altogether, while others are advocating for regulatory changes that would limit the power of Apple and Google. This is all part of an on-going conversation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the issue of purchasing Kindle books through the Amazon app:

1. Why can I still read Kindle books on the Amazon app if I can’t buy them there?

You can read Kindle books on the Amazon app because the app itself is free to download and use. Amazon only avoids the 30% commission on the sale of the book. Once you’ve purchased a book on the Amazon website, it’s added to your Kindle library and becomes accessible through the app.

2. Does this issue only affect Kindle books, or are other digital purchases affected too?

This issue primarily affects digital goods and services sold through the Amazon app that could be easily acquired through other means, like the Amazon website. Other purchases, such as physical products, are not affected. It is important to note that third-party apps that provide digital goods are also affected by this policy.

3. Is there any way to bypass the restriction and buy Kindle books directly in the app?

Unfortunately, there is no legitimate way to bypass this restriction. Amazon has deliberately removed the in-app purchase option. The best way to work around this is to make your purchase on the Amazon website and read in the app.

4. Will Amazon ever bring back the ability to purchase Kindle books directly in the app?

It’s difficult to say definitively. Unless there are significant changes to app store policies or a new agreement reached between Amazon and Apple/Google, it’s unlikely that Amazon will re-enable in-app Kindle book purchases. However, with all of the anti-trust and app store issues currently being argued in the courts, one never knows what the future holds.

5. Does this apply to all Amazon apps, or just the main Amazon shopping app?

This restriction primarily affects the main Amazon shopping app and the Kindle app on iOS and Android devices. The reasoning is consistent across these platforms.

6. If I have a Kindle e-reader, can I buy books directly on the device?

Yes, you can still purchase Kindle books directly on your Kindle e-reader. Kindle e-readers use Amazon’s own payment system and are not subject to the same app store commission rules as iOS and Android apps.

7. Are Kindle Unlimited subscriptions affected by this?

Kindle Unlimited subscriptions are treated the same way as individual Kindle book purchases. You cannot start or manage your Kindle Unlimited subscription from the Amazon app on iOS or Android. You have to access a web browser to complete the purchase and subscription set-up.

8. Does this affect Audible audiobooks too?

Yes, the same restrictions apply to Audible audiobooks. You cannot purchase Audible credits or audiobooks directly through the Audible app on iOS. You need to purchase on the Audible website, where there is no Apple “tax.”

9. Is this issue only for Amazon and Apple?

No, this issue is prevalent across different platforms. It affects any digital product sold on a mobile platform that could be purchased from the vendors website. In order to maintain profit margins, any digital vendor will be forced to disable in-app purchases in order to survive.

10. Does this issue affect Amazon Prime Video?

If you can get a discounted subscription from the website or elsewhere, then yes, this issue will affect Amazon Prime Video. For Amazon Prime Video, users may be directed to the website, where discounts and sales can happen without Google or Apple stepping in to take a cut.

11. Could the FTC step in to address this issue?

The FTC could potentially get involved if they determine that the app store policies of Apple and Google are anti-competitive and harm consumers. There have been growing discussions about regulatory intervention to address the power dynamics in the app store ecosystem. There are already many cases open for review.

12. What if I prefer not to buy Kindle books online?

Unfortunately, there’s no direct workaround within the Amazon app. If you are unable or unwilling to purchase books online via the Amazon website, then consider exploring other options for reading digital books. These can include libraries (using apps like Libby), subscription services not controlled by Google or Apple, or purchasing books directly on Kindle e-readers. You may also consider contacting Apple or Google to advocate for more equitable app store policies.

In conclusion, the inability to purchase Kindle books directly on the Amazon app is a direct result of app store policies and the commissions charged by Apple and Google. While it may be a minor inconvenience for consumers, it’s a strategic move by Amazon to maintain competitive pricing and protect its profit margins. The broader implications of this situation highlight the ongoing debates about app store power and the future of the app economy.