Digital comics platform ComiXology has updated its iOS application, removing the app’s digital storefront, thus allowing the company – which was recently acquired by Amazon – to avoid paying Apple its 30% cut of in-app purchases.
ComiXology sent out an email to customers on Saturday vaguely stating that a “new” application for iPhone and iPad has been released, while the old one is being retired. At no point does the email explain to users that the new version lacks a digital storefront, meaning users must access the Safari browser to purchase new titles.
Switching requires users to sync their in-app purchases in the legacy application, then install the new app from the App Store and then log into their account.
Amazon announced its acquisition of ComiXology earlier this month. The ComiXology app has consistently ranked near the top of the the iOS App Store’s top grossing apps chart for the iPad. The company also developed the official iPad comic apps for such publishers as DC, Marvel, Image, and more.
The new ComiXology app follows the same approach to purchases that Amazon’s own Kindle app uses. Instead of purchasing new e-books from within the iOS Kindle app, users are required to visit Amazon in their browser to purchase books. The titles are then downloaded to the Kindle app, and are available for reading. This allows Amazon to prevent Apple from wetting their beak by grabbing a 30% commission.
The Comics app by ComiXology is available FREE for the iPad and iPhone in the App Store. [DIRECT LINK]
