Apple has launched its Newsstand service, allowing users to set up online subscriptions to magazines and newspapers.
Set to launch later this year, the app was unveiled this week at Apple’s Worldwide Developer Conference.
Under its current subscription model products are only available as individual apps within the iTunes store, and this is the first time they have been brought together into a single service where users can browse publications on a virtual newsstand.
Much like iBooks, the Newsstand app racks everything up on a virtual wooden shelf, with a new section of the App Store set aside specifically for newspaper and magazines.
Once a user subscribes to a publication, Newsstand automatically downloads the new edition when it is published.
On its website Apple said: “New purchases go directly to your Newsstand folder. Then, as new issues become available, Newsstand automatically updates them in the background — complete with the latest covers. It’s kind of like having the paper delivered to your front door. Only better.”
The first half of the service, which collects payments for subscriptions, launched in February after its debut with News Corp’s The Daily news app. Publishers can choose the frequency of subscription (from weekly to annual).
Apple gets 30% commission from each sale and consumers have to proactively cancel the subscription to stop paying, which is likely to mean more money for both Apple and the publishers.
Google’s rival service, called ‘One Pass’ charges 10%.
Newsstand users will automatically receive updated versions of their subscriptions as they appear, and they can also be read offline.