What is Apple Newsstand?
Apple Newsstand is a built-in application on iOS devices that provides users with access to their newspaper and magazine subscriptions in one centralized place. It was launched in 2011 along with iOS 5 as a way for publishers to sell subscriptions and deliver content through native iOS apps.
When a user purchases a subscription via Newsstand, the app from that publisher is automatically downloaded onto their device. The app then appears on the user's Newsstand shelf along with any other subscribed publications. Tapping on a publication opens up its app and content.
Some key features of Apple Newsstand include:
- Background downloads - New issues are automatically downloaded in the background so content is ready when the user wants it.
- New issue notifications - A notification appears on the lock screen when a new issue becomes available.
- Simplified purchases - Subscriptions can be purchased directly within the publication's app rather than requiring the user to enter billing details each time.
- Visual shelf display - Mimics the look of a physical newsstand, with magazine and newspaper covers lined up on shelves.
For publishers, Apple Newsstand offers integrated access to iOS features like background downloading and push notifications to provide a streamlined experience delivering content to customers. Readers benefit from an centralized place to access all their digital issues and subscriptions.
Apple News, Flipboard, Google News, Issuu, The Economist, Drudge Report, The New York Times, HuffPost, Magzter, Newsela, Elfinite are some alternatives to Apple Newsstand.