Feb 20, 2025 08:00:00

Google's e-book reader app 'Google Play Books' iOS version adds links to purchase e-books and audiobooks

Google Play , a digital content distribution platform provided by Google, sells not only apps and games but also video content, books, audiobooks, and more. Not only Android users, but also iPhone users can use the iOS version of Google Play Books to view e-books and audiobooks purchased on Google Play, but until now it was not possible to purchase content directly from the app. However, Google has finally announced that links to purchase e-books and audiobooks will be added to the iOS version of the Google Play Books app.

How to buy books in the Google Play Books iOS app
https://blog.google/feed/google-play-books-ios-app/

Google Play Books purchases on iOS now skirt the App Store's commission | TechCrunch
https://techcrunch.com/2025/02/18/google-play-books-purchases-on-ios-now-skirt-the-app-stores-commission/

Google Play Books makes it 'easier' to buy ebooks on iOS
https://9to5google.com/2025/02/18/google-play-books-ios/

On February 18, 2025 local time, Google announced on its official blog that it has added a 'Buy eBook' button to the iOS version of the Google Play Books app. When you tap this button, you will be taken directly to the web version of Google Play, where you can purchase the selected eBook or audiobook.

I actually checked how it works on the iOS version of the Google Play Books app.

The home screen of the iOS version of the Google Play Books app looks like this. There was a promotion for e-books that were great value when purchased as a set, so I tapped on it.

Tap Volume 1.

Tap 'Purchase e-book.'

Tap the URL at the bottom of the screen.

A warning will appear saying 'When you close the app, you will be redirected to an external website. Payment will no longer be made through Apple.' Tap 'Continue'.

A screen will appear saying 'Resume where you left off,' so tap the e-book you were trying to purchase.

You can purchase it from here. As the warning said, it will no longer be purchased through the App Store.

In September 2021, Apple reached a settlement with the Japan Fair Trade Commission and announced that it would change its terms of use to allow 'reader applications' that allow users to read subscribed content such as magazines, books, newspapers, music, and videos to include links to external websites within the app. TechCrunch, a technology media outlet, points out that the addition of this link was implemented as a result of this change in terms of use.

Apple to allow links to external websites from within apps, changing regulations worldwide - GIGAZINE

Google also notes that users can now share e-books with their family members through the Google Play Family Library , whether they're using iOS, Android, or the web.