FT app dropped from Apple store over fee and data row
APPLE yesterday kicked the Financial Times from its App Store after the two failed to reach a compromise over subscription fees and user data.
The Cupertino-based firm insists on taking a 30 per cent slice of ongoing subscription revenues as well as collating valuable customer information.
There has been animosity between the FT’s publisher Pearson and Apple over the issue for months, and talks finally broke down yesterday.
The publisher says it has developed a work-around that allows users to access an app-like interface through a web browser.
Apple is facing increasing resistance from businesses using its online store, with Amazon pulling support for e-book purchases from its app to avoid handing over the 30 per cent cut.
Meanwhile, the battle between Amazon and Apple could escalate further with rumours the world’s biggest online retailer is ready to launch a rival tablet to the iPad.
Amazon hopes it can emulate the success of its Kindle e-reader, with analysts speculating it would soon become the second biggest player in the market.