1) All possible electronic commerce is likely to utilise web-based technologies.
2) In Amazon's case, they used a mobile website to allow sale of their e-books.
3) If Apple is going to state that directing the user to a mobile website to purchase a book, constitutes an 'in-app purchase' - where is the line drawn?
4) Will app developers be able to advertise any alternative methods of purchase, within their apps, without also allowing purchase via the Appstore?
My guess is, no; they'll simply deny the app in question access to the marketplace - which will prevent users from viewing any externally bought content, that can't also be bought via the Appstore.
In-effect Apple are holding these developers over a barrel.
1) All possible electronic commerce is likely to utilise web-based technologies.
2) In Amazon's case, they used a mobile website to allow sale of their e-books.
3) If Apple is going to state that directing the user to a mobile website to purchase a book, constitutes an 'in-app purchase' - where is the line drawn?
4) Will app developers be able to advertise any alternative methods of purchase, within their apps, without also allowing purchase via the Appstore?
My guess is, no; they'll simply deny the app in question access to the marketplace - which will prevent users from viewing any externally bought content, that can't also be bought via the Appstore.
In-effect Apple are holding these developers over a barrel.