Amazon has updated its Kindle app for iOS to version 3.9, adding a feature that allows users to search for book samples using the app's existing Library Search tool.

Rather than simply searching through a user's library, the app now searches through Amazon's entire catalog of books and brings up samples that can be downloaded directly within the app.

kindle1
Though users can download in-app book samples to read, ebooks are still unable to be purchased within the app. While the Kindle app used to include a link that directed users to the Kindle Store for purchases, Amazon was forced to remove the feature two years ago when Apple implemented new In-App subscription rules that barred links to third party web stores.

All Kindle purchases are still required to be made outside of the Kindle app, but the availability of sample books is a welcome perk for regular Kindle users.

When a sample book has been read, instead of directing users to the Amazon website to purchase the book, the app sends an email with a link to the Kindle Store, allowing the company to skirt Apple's rules while directing traffic to the Amazon site. Amazon also recommends similar books, offering a wishlist, another sample, or an e-mail about the recommendation.

kindle2
In addition to offering sample downloads, the newest version of the Amazon app for iOS also allows customers to import and use previously purchased dictionaries and it includes an accessibility quick reference guide along with both bug fixes and performance enhancements.

Kindle for iOS is a free app that can be downloaded from the App Store. [Direct Link]

Top Rated Comments

alent1234 Avatar
135 months ago
Thanks, but I'll stick to iBooks.

How is that reading books in the browser working out for you?
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
needfx Avatar
135 months ago
I just downloaded kindle for ios yesterday and the first book I bought, is fellow forum user's book, roadbloc (https://forums.macrumors.com/member.php?u=353762), "vending machine lunch (http://www.amazon.com/Vending-Machine-Lunch-ebook/dp/B00AGJRGH0/ref=sr_1_1_bnp_1_kin?ie=UTF8&qid=1375218551&sr=8-1&keywords=vending+machine+lunch)"
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
thefourthpope Avatar
135 months ago
This is a welcome addition! I rarely read off of my Kindle, but this should be a nice help.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
nagromme Avatar
135 months ago
Thanks, but I'll stick to iBooks.

I prefer iBooks... but I'll stick to Kindle: Kindle supports library lending, and iBooks does not.


That's an interesting addition, as far as I'm aware, unless you are using In App Purchase, you are pretty much prevented - by way of your app being rejected, - from providing samples / previews of content in any way, shape, or form.

Perhaps Apple's rules have changed and those apps who had to remove in-app stores that displayed sample / preview content can now add that back in?

Interesting if you're right--we'll see what happens!
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Sharkus Avatar
135 months ago
That's an interesting addition, as far as I'm aware, unless you are using In App Purchase, you are pretty much prevented - by way of your app being rejected, - from providing samples / previews of content in any way, shape, or form.

Perhaps Apple's rules have changed and those apps who had to remove in-app stores that displayed sample / preview content can now add that back in?
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

iOS 16 4 Web Push

Apple Confirms Governments Using Push Notifications to Surveil Users

Wednesday December 6, 2023 5:06 am PST by
Unidentified governments are surveilling smartphone users by tracking push notifications that move through Google's and Apple's servers, a US senator warned on Wednesday (via Reuters). In a letter to the Department of Justice, Senator Ron Wyden said foreign officials were demanding the data from the tech giants to track smartphones. The traffic flowing from apps that send push notifications...
iOS 17

iOS 17.2 Will Add These 12 New Features to Your iPhone

Friday December 1, 2023 12:19 pm PST by
iOS 17.2 has been in beta testing for over a month, and it should be released to all users in a few more weeks. The software update includes many new features and changes for iPhones, including the dozen that we have highlighted below. iOS 17.2 is expected to be released to the public in mid-December. To learn about even more features coming in the update, check out our full list. Journal ...
iphone se 4 modified flag edges

iPhone SE 4 May Reuse Existing iPhone 14 Battery

Wednesday December 6, 2023 1:17 pm PST by
Recently, MacRumors has received details on the battery currently being tested on the upcoming fourth-generation iPhone SE, and the information corroborates previous findings in relation to the device. The iPhone SE 4, known by its device identifier D59, is expected to use the exact same battery found in the base model iPhone 14. Partially assembled prototypes of the next iPhone SE have been ...
best buy snowflakes

Best Buy's New Weekend Sale Has Record Low Prices on MacBook Pro and MacBook Air

Friday December 8, 2023 7:37 am PST by
Best Buy's month-long holiday sale continues this weekend with multiple all-time low prices on Apple's line of MacBook Pro and MacBook Air computers. In addition to Apple notebooks, Best Buy's event has discounts sitewide on home appliances, TVs, video games, and more. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive...
beeper mini

Apple Puts a Stop to Beeper Mini's iMessage for Android Feature

Friday December 8, 2023 2:24 pm PST by
Apple appears to have closed the loophole that Beeper Mini used to bring iMessage to Android, putting a stop to blue bubbles from Android devices. Beeper Mini quit working earlier today, with users receiving "failed to lookup on server: lookup request timed out" error messages. Beeper said on Twitter that it is investigating the issue, but Beeper CEO Eric Migicovsky told TechCrunch that "all ...
maxresdefault

Review: Two Months With the iPhone 15 Pro Max

Thursday December 7, 2023 12:04 pm PST by
Apple's iPhone 15 lineup came out in September, and while most reviews are done shortly after a new device launches, we like to follow up with a longer term review that gives us an opportunity to provide a deeper dive into what it's like using these phones on a day to day basis for months. Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos. MacRumors videographer Dan Barbera has been...
anker new gold

Anker Begins Countdown to Christmas Sale With Up to 50% Off Popular Charging Accessories

Thursday December 7, 2023 7:55 am PST by
Anker has launched its newest holiday sale, this one offering a special deal every day in the lead-up to Christmas. These sales offer up to 50 percent off select products, and include discounts on USB-C chargers, portable batteries, and much more. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which ...
12

Apple to Launch Two iPad Air and Two OLED iPad Pro Models Early Next Year

Wednesday December 6, 2023 9:53 am PST by
To boost falling iPad sales, Apple has a major refresh planned for the iPad lineup in early 2024, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. Apple plans to debut new iPad Air and iPad Pro models, both of which will feature notable changes. The iPad Air will come in two sizes like the iPad Pro for the first time. The smaller model will continue to measure in at 10.9 inches, but the larger version...