E-books blocked on iPhone?

(Updated with Apple response) Apple is now taking an extremely strict stance towards iPhone apps with third-party content, reports say. In submitting new e-book applications, at least two developers claim they have been dismissed summarily. "This category of applications is often used for the purpose of infringing upon third party rights," one rejection notice is said to read. "We have chosen to not publish this type of application to the App Store."

Apple is believed to be working on a 10-inch tablet device for late 2009, or early 2010, which some have suggested could serve as an ideal e-book platform. Others have disputed the idea, citing Apple's alleged perception of book publishers, and the cost of e-book sales relative to a small market. Apple already allows some e-book programs at the App Store, such as Amazon's Kindle app.

Numerous titles have been banned from the App Store in the past, but copyright has only recently come to the fore. In late July Apple barred all of a developer's output, on the basis of multiple incidents of intellectual property infringement. The developer's company, Perfect Acumen, had previously been producing an average of five apps per day.

Update: Apple has issued a statement saying that it has no problems with e-book apps. The company claims it is checking, however, to see if developers have the rights to the material in their software.

by MacNN Staff