Apple's UK iBook Store may not be available on iPads at launch

Posted on 29 Jan 2010 at 15:06

Prospective Apple iPad buyers looking to use it as an ebook reader could face disappointment when the tablet launches in the UK, as it's unclear whether the iBooks reader application and its integrated iBook Store will be included.

Apple's UK website makes no mention of the iBook Store and the firm has refused to confirm when the store will be available in the UK.

To further confuse matters, Apple's Australian website says that "iBooks available in the US only."

A spokesman told our sister site PC Pro: "iBooks will be available in the UK, but the timing of that will not be announced until the iPad goes on sale."

There's obviously still some work to be done behind the scenes with network carriers who will partner with Apple on the 3G-equipped iPads ahead of the scheduled launch in the UK and US in March. These complex negotiations could prevent Apple from shipping early iPads with the iBook Store application outside of the US.

It also raises questions about whether Apple has decided to lock content to the iPad like Amazon does with its Kindle ebook readers, or go for a more open content model. We suspect it will be the former, but Apple hasn't said either way.

Author: Tim Smalley

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User comments

How skeptical should we be?

Apparently, kindle is built to be an ebook reader whereas iPad isn't, especially without eInk. Nevertheless, iPad features many other things you can do that you can't enjoy on kindle. I just can't wait to read the thrilling story, Somewhere carnal over 40 winks, on iPad!

By chulhag on 30 Jan 2010