Amazon Kindle App on Android Sees a Shift in Purchase Options
In a move that may signal a significant shift in digital commerce, Amazon has altered the way Android users can purchase books through the Kindle app. This development comes in the wake of Amazon’s decision to bypass the traditional Google Play billing system, a choice influenced by the high fees associated with Google’s service.
Reports from Android Authority suggest that users in Italy have encountered a new notification within the app. It reads, “This app does not use Google Play’s billing system. As the developer will be the seller of all in-app purchases, you will have full control over your purchases. This includes managing customer support, refund requests, and applicable consumer rights. While Google Play features like gift cards, Play Points, subscription management, and purchase controls won’t be available, this change puts you in the driver’s seat of your Kindle app experience.”
The underlying mechanism for this change appears to be Google’s ‘alternative billing without user choice’ program, which was introduced following the implementation of the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) in September 2022. This program is currently applicable to residents within the European Economic Area (EEA), allowing companies to opt for their own billing systems instead of Google’s, with Google only taking a 3 percent service fee for each transaction.
While it remains unclear whether this is a temporary experiment or the beginning of a broader rollout, the implications for ebook purchases in Europe could be significant. Amazon’s decision to implement alternative billing may pave the way for similar moves by other digital content providers, potentially altering the landscape of app purchases on Android devices.
