Apple tells newspapers – no free iPad edition for print subscribers
A number of European newspapers have reportedly been told by Apple that they can no longer offer paid print subscribers free access to an iPad edition through the App Store, as the subscription strategy leaves Apple out of its 30 percent cut.
According to a report issued Friday by deVolkskrant (via Google Translate), Apple has employed “stricter rules” for publishers, informing them that they cannot offer free iPad access to paid print subscribers. By offering free access to print subscribers, newspapers could avoid charging for access through the iPad, and can avoid paying Apple a 30 percent cut of all transactions on the App Store…Content providers are upset with the change, characterizing the move as one that makes Apple “too dominant.”
If I was Apple – a stretch I realize – I would do the same. Of course. A share is earned by providing the medium.
The alleged changes sent out to publishers by Apple come as the company is believed to be working on an update to iOS, its mobile operating system that powers the iPad, that will allow recurring subscriptions for software on the App Store. It is Apple’s preparation for the new subscription option that is believed to have allegedly delayed the release of The Daily, a new iPad-only newspaper from media giant News Corporation.
While a number of reports from overseas claim that Apple has contacted publications to inform them of the changes, no such reports have yet emerged from any newspapers in the U.S…
Subscription options can be whatever the parties choose them to be. Of course. Though, if Apple is offering access to methods built into the OS, more than a little consistency and conformity is required.
On paper, it’s just as easy for a newspaper to build in a share to Apple in their basic subscription price – with a sliding scale based on downloads measured in-app.
