Is Apple News+ Plus Worth It?

Liam Anderson

Apple News+ Plus Logo

Is it worth subscribing to Apple News+? Whether it’s a good fit depends on how you like to get your news. If you enjoy reading lots of different magazines and newspapers, it could be a good deal. But if you mainly stick to local news or have specific preferences that aren’t covered by Apple News+, it might not be the best choice for you. To decide if it’s right for you, think about your news habits and weigh the pros and cons. Apple News+ costs $12.99 a month and gives you access to hundreds of newspapers and magazines.

If you read a lot, it could save you money compared to paying for individual subscriptions. It works on iPhone, iPad, and Mac and is integrated with the Apple News app. You can follow channels, block outlets, and even listen to audio stories. If you’re already using Apple devices, it’s easy to manage your subscription using your Apple ID. It’s important to consider the cost and what you get for it. While $12.99 a month might seem like a lot, the access to a wide range of high-quality content might make it worth it. Think about the range of content available and decide whether it matches your news habits before making a decision about Apple News+.

Weighing Apple News+: Pros, Cons, and Value for News Enthusiasts

Pros:

  • Vast Content: Access hundreds of magazines and newspapers.
  • Offline Reading: Download articles for offline enjoyment.
  • Personalized Recommendations: Receive curated suggestions based on your interests.
  • Family Sharing: Share your subscription with up to six family members.

Cons:

  • Limited Local News: May not offer extensive local news coverage for all regions.
  • Cost: Monthly subscription fee can add up.
  • Not All Publications Included: Some popular magazines may not participate.
  • Limited Customization: Limited options to tailor the interface or news categories.

Cost vs. Value Table:

FeatureCostValue (Subjective)
Magazine AccessIncluded in subscriptionHigh/Medium
Newspaper AccessIncluded in subscriptionHigh/Medium
Offline ReadingIncluded in subscriptionHigh/Medium
Personalized RecommendationsIncluded in subscriptionMedium
Family SharingIncluded in subscriptionHigh/Medium

Key Takeaways

  • Apple News+ costs $12.99 per month for access to many publications.
  • It is available on iPhone, iPad, and Mac devices.
  • The subscription is managed using your Apple ID.

Value Proposition of Apple News

Apple News provides users with a comprehensive news experience by blending personalized stories with a wide range of premium content. Integration with Apple devices improves user experience and convenience.

Apple News and Apple News+: Features and Access

Apple News+ offers a mix of free and premium content. The free tier includes Top Stories, local news, and personalized articles based on user preferences. For $12.99 a month, Apple News+ grants access to over 300 magazines and newspapers. Subscribers also enjoy audio stories, and immersive design features. Family Sharing allows up to six family members to share one subscription without additional costs. A free trial period is available for users hesitant to commit immediately.

Apple News+ Pricing

If You Buy an Apple device: 3 months free

Get 3 months of Apple News+ free with the purchase of an eligible device. Check Eligibiility

Free 1-month trial:

New subscribers get 1 month of Apple News+ free, then pay $12.99 per month.

Included With Apple One

Bundle Apple News+ with five other great services for one low monthly price.

Content Variety and Quality

Apple News+ covers a wide range of topics through its extensive collection of magazines and newspapers. This service features premium content from leading publishers, ensuring that readers get high-quality articles. The curated nature of Apple News+ means that users receive a well-rounded mix of stories chosen by editors, in addition to personalized recommendations based on their reading habits. This variety ensures that every user finds something of interest, whether it’s news, lifestyle, entertainment, or specialized topics.

Integration Across Apple Devices

Apple News+ seamlessly integrates with the Apple ecosystem, enhancing user convenience. For instance, users can read news articles on their iPhone, iPad, or Mac. Compatibility with CarPlay allows users to listen to audio stories while driving. This cross-device functionality is beneficial for users who switch between devices throughout the day. The design is consistent across platforms, providing a cohesive user experience. This level of integration sets Apple News+ apart from other news apps and services.

Evaluating Costs and Benefits

Apple News+ offers several features for its users, making it essential to evaluate both the costs and benefits. This section explores the subscription costs, compares it with other news services, and examines the impact of ads and paywalls.

Subscription Costs and Options

Apple News+ costs $12.99 per month. This subscription provides access to hundreds of publications. Some of these publications could cost more if subscribed to individually. Apple also offers Apple One, which bundles Apple News+ with other services like Apple Music and iCloud storage for a single monthly fee. This bundling option can provide added savings for those already using other Apple services.

Comparison to Other News Services

Comparing Apple News+ to other news subscriptions shows various pros. Unlike other services like The Washington Post or The New York Times, Apple News+ includes multiple publications under one subscription. Most other services charge similar monthly fees for access to their own content only. However, the customization and variety available in News+ can be a strong point. It’s also easy to cancel the subscription if you’re not satisfied with the service.

Considering Advertisement and Content Paywalls

One benefit of Apple News+ is the reduction of ads. Subscribers see fewer advertisements than free users. This allows for a cleaner reading experience. Additionally, many articles on Apple News+ are behind paywalls when accessed directly from publishers. A subscription to Apple News+ bypasses these paywalls, giving access to premium content without extra charges. Those who access news frequently find this benefit considerable. It can simplify accessing exclusive content without encountering multiple paywalls.