Apple rejects Sony e-book app over payment system

Apple has rejected a proposed digital-book application by Sony amid concerns the software's payment-handling system would erode Apple's sales.

Sony's e-reader application wasn't allowed because it didn't let users buy e-books through Apple's system, Apple said.

Instead, the service would have sent customers to Sony's store.

Apple's developer guidelines say that applications must use the company's method for purchases, though the rules haven't always been enforced.

For example, Amazon.com's Kindle application steers users to its website.

When purchases are made within the application instead of going to a website, Apple collects 30 per cent of the sales.

"We have not changed our developer terms or guidelines," said Trudy Muller, a spokeswoman for Apple.

"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."

Sony said it's working with Apple to find a way to get the application approved.

"Many of our customers use Apple mobile devices in addition to their Readers and they are eagerly awaiting a solution that will allow them to purchase and read Reader Store content on their Apple mobile devices as well as synchronise that content between their Readers and iPhones as is possible on other mobile platforms," Sony said.

Amazon declined to comment on whether enforcement of the payment policy will mean it will have to change its Kindle application on Apple devices.

Apple's shares have surged 77 per cent in the past 12 months.

The rejection was previously reported by the New York Times.

- BLOOMBERG