Highlights:
Apple is reportedly planning to host an event on March 25th to announce its subscription-based news service, according to Buzzfeed. There’s unlikely to be any new hardware announced at the event. The report states Apple plans to focus on the company’s services. The timing of the event also indicates we might learn something about Apple’s rumoured TV services that’s slated to launch later at WWDC.
For the past few years, Apple has held an event in March to announce new iPads and it’s not entirely impossible that an Apple hardware steals the show. In fact, an upgraded offering it the entry-level iPad might be a good place to start reading Apple’s subscription-based news service.
Apple is yet to send out invites formally to the press, but Buzzfeed’s reports have usually gotten the dates of Apple events right. The subscription-based news service might include access to Apple News for months, along with premium magazines and news subscriptions offered in a single bundle. It could be similar to what Netflix or Amazon Prime Video offers, only with news outlets.
iOS 12.2 beta that was released last month gave a glimpse into how the service will look like based on images found in the release. The Wall Street Journal also reported that Apple was reportedly having issues with publishers over revenue splits with Apple demanding a hefty 50 percent cut before dividing the rest of the revenues among publishers based on how much their articles get read. According to WSJ, Apple might charge $10 for the service, although the amount has not been finalised yet.
The subscription-based news service is part of Apple’s new focus in selling paid services. After a slump in hardware sales including the new iPhones, Apple is renewing its focus on services to explore new sources of revenue.
Related Links:
Apple iPhone shipments for Q4 plummet in China