Apple Responds to Claims of Sony Reader App Rejection

[Michael Essany]

In follow up to Matt's earlier coverage of Apple's reported prohibition of the Sony Reader App from the Apple App Store, Apple is now facing the music, publicly admitting that it did, in fact, block the inclusion of the Sony Reader App from the App Store. And, as you might expect, Apple is making no apologies despite widespread criticism for restricting access to the popular application.

In a comment released exclusively to John Paczkowski of Digital Daily, Apple is not changing the rules. It's simply enforcing those already on the books. “We have not changed our developer terms or guidelines,” Apple spokesperson Trudy Miller said. “We are now requiring that if an app offers customers the ability to purchase books outside of the app, that the same option is also available to customers from within the app with in-app purchase.”

"In other words," Paczkowski neatly summarized, "you don’t have to buy books, or music, or other media that you consume on iOS apps from Apple. But developers must offer you the option of buying that stuff through Apple." The move suggests that either Apple is making a bigger revenue grab in the mobile space, or the Cupertino-titans want to foster an "iOS ecosystem much less pleasant for some outsiders."

The far-reaching consequences of this enforcement could be dramatic - particularly for Amazon's Kindle app and B&N's Nook application. But until we see just how far Apple will press the issue, the digital publishing world will likely continue to hold its collective breath.

Digital Daily

[frail1]

I actually don't have a problem with that. Actually, I think it's perfectly fair.

[santacruzlocal]

You forgot to mention that Apple is mad that Sony got to Geohot and Apple didn't !!!

[maddawg05]

^don't think that has to do with anything. Apple just back pedaling and hiding it well.

[kuhndsn]

I like the option of in app purchases (not so sure "titans" is a proper name for apple) Seems like any company with success will have haters...hmmm must be the new American dream. Let someone else succeed and complain about them. With that said I welcome this addition/rejection. As far as rejection and Sony is concerned... well they are no different. Heck most companies are like that. So be it. Not real breaking news unless you want to hate on a companies policies. You come to my house take off you shoes please.... Or don't come in... Call me a "titan" if you will but its my house and my rules. Pay the bills and I might change my mind. Different scenario....

[jagoct23]

Then give to Caesar what is Caesar's...

[Dizi]

Never ceases to amaze me how far Apple will go to 180 themselves from that original Macintosh commercial.

[ThinkTank]

Apple fan boys. Jesssss....
You don't have to use in app for kindle why sony? Guys just bcos you buy your food thru itunes does not mean we all have to.

[CynicalDriver]

I don't see the problem with this, they are saying that in-app purchases must be an option, not the ONLY option. If people want to use iTunes gift-card credits for non-iTunes books, let them.

The only hiccup I see is the profit sharing. Now Sony will have to either eat Apple's in-app share, or have a "convenience surcharge" that makes up for it. As far as I am aware, both methods are ok by Apple.


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[pyroemaniac]

I see no problem with this, all that Sony needs to do is make the in app purchases that are through iTunes cost more so they make the same amount even after Apple gets their percentage. This way people most likely wont buy the books in that way and use the way Sony originally intended in the first place.

Theres a lil economics 101 for ya

[alexevo]

Do you guys honestly think Apple is going to let Sony offer in-app purchases and set their own prices. Apple most likely will NOT let this happen because Sony would attempt to undercut Apple's profits by either raising the "Apple" price in-app or by charging less than Apple's regular price in-app.

[CynicalDriver]

Do you guys honestly think Apple is going to let Sony offer in-app purchases and set their own prices. Apple most likely will NOT let this happen because Sony would attempt to undercut Apple's profits by either raising the "Apple" price in-app or by charging less than Apple's regular price in-app.

Until Apple signs more publishers and books... It's a non-issue. This is why they allowed competing services to distribute these apps in the first place. Apple selection < B&N alone... WAY less.

[SpikeyDan]

Sorry wrong place

[Raketemensch]

A 30% Apple Tax on all book sales from within an app?

Noone has an issue with that? Wow. I mean, I love my Macs, I love my iPhone, but 30%?

That's Usury.

[EskimoRuler]

im not sure how this is going to play out because kindle is already doing this, its just wierd how apple care now with sony

[CynicalDriver]

im not sure how this is going to play out because kindle is already doing this, its just wierd how apple care now with sony

There could be a publisher agreement at play... Or they may simply reject Kindle's next update as well, nook too, probably.

[ride79]

they are probably hating on all the ebook apps coming in and Apples own iBook getting competition and now want to enforce the policy. sour grapes

[Snozberries]

[QUOTE=Michael Essany;5779854

"iOS ecosystem much less pleasant for some outsiders."

[/QUOTE]

'We are the Borg. You will be assimilated.'

[CynicalDriver]

'We are the Borg. You will be assimilated.'

Shouldn't it be "We are Mac. You will be assimilated. Resistance is futile."?


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