Will eBooks in the iBookstore be $9.99?

When Apple announced the pricing for the iBookstore back in January, it outraged Amazon.  They went as far as to block the sale of books from Macmillan.  Why did Amazon get all bent out of shape?  Well, Apple’s pricing model is what did it.  Apple told the publishers that they can set the price for the books they sell in the iBookstore.  Since Amazon started selling eBooks, they have been dictating the price of the books to the publishers, not the other way around.

Amazon’s prices are set at $9.99, and older books are priced lower.  This model works well for Amazon.  Well, when Apple announced eBooks will sell for $12.99 to $14.99, plus the publishers will keep 70% of the sale like the apps store, you can see why Amazon started to freak out.  This reminds me of when Apple was fighting with the music industry over variable pricing and DRM-Free songs.  Apple told them that $0.99 was the sweet spot for songs.  However, the music industry balked at Apple, and would not budge on their stance.  To get back at Apple the music industry gave Amazon MP3 DRM-Free songs, because Amazon was willing to offer variable pricing.  Once Apple conceded to variable pricing, they were able to sell their songs DRM-Free.  I guess that’s why Apple isn’t pushing the issue with book publishers.

Darrell Eherington of theAppleBlog is reporting that Apple might in fact be selling New York Times’ bestsellers for $9.99.  A leaked screenshot of the upcoming iBookstore shows eBooks for $9.99.  So why the sudden change in pricing?  Not sure, maybe it’s a dummy screenshot with fake pricing, or it might be real, we won’t know till April 3rd.  Whatever price is finally settled upon, you know that if it’s more than Amazon’s book store, it might cause a rift in how eBooks are priced here on out.

The one thing I like that Apple is doing with the iPad in regards to eBooks, is that they are giving us a choice.  Of course, Apple will obviously promote the iBookstore, but you have more choices than just the iBookstore.  Both Amazon and Barnes & Noble will have apps designed for the iPad.  This definitely benefits us the consumer.  Plus it benefits Apple, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble.  Why you ask?  Look at it this way.  If you purchased a Kindle or a Nook, but you really want the iPad, now you can get it knowing that your new iPad will work with your Kindle or Nook eBooks.  In this, Amazon or Barnes & Noble keep you as a customer, while Apple gains you as a customer.  It’s a win-win for everyone involved.

Alexander Vaughn of appadvice highlights five of the thirty-two New York Times’ bestsellers below:

• 1. Chelsea Chelsea Bang Bang By Chelsea Handler – $9.99
• 2. The Help by Kathryn Stockett – $9.99
• 3. The Silent Sea by Clive Cussier & Jack Du Brul – $9.99
• 4. Missing (under negotiation?)
• 5. Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter by Seth Grahame-Smith – $9.99

With only days left before the iPad is released, we’re probably going to see a lot more speculation than rumors about the iPad.  I think we’ve crossed the line for rumors, and entered speculation territory.  I don’t know about you, but I’m really excited and I can’t wait untill Saturday.  With that said.  Do you think Apple will sell their eBooks for $9.99?  Will you continue to buy your eBooks from Amazon and Barnes & Noble, when you get your iPad?  I like to know the answer to these questions, so if you like, leave a comment in the comments section below, and tell everyone how you will use eBooks on your iPad.

Photo Credit:

Article Via The New York Times, theAppleBlog, & appadvice