Apple News+ boosts content offering with The Athletic and Wirecutter collaboration

Apple News+ boosts content offering with The Athletic and Wirecutter collaboration،

Apple generally keeps tight control over subscriber numbers for its services, and Apple News+ is no exception. However, statistics suggest that around 19 million paid subscribers worldwide were tuning in to Apple News+ in 2023. Now, those subscribers are in for a treat with expanded access to more media.

In a recent announcement, Apple revealed a new collaboration with The Athletic and Wirecutter, adding their content to the Apple News app. News+ subscribers can now immerse themselves in The Athletic's sports coverage, while Wirecutter's product review articles are expected to appear in the News app for all users early next year.

Eddy Cue, Apple's senior vice president of Services, expressed excitement about the new venture, particularly highlighting The Athletic's excellent sports reporting and local coverage and saying the company is “I'm so proud to now introduce sports fans to The Athletic in Apple News+.”

Athletic content, covering all major sports leagues, is now available to Apple News+ subscribers in the US, UK, Canada and Australia. Users can follow The Athletic channel directly and explore recommended stories in the Apple News Sports app.

Full access to The Athletic's content is seamlessly integrated into the News app as part of the Apple News+ subscription, priced at $12.99 per month in the US and also included in the Apple One Premier plan.

As for Wirecutter product reviews, they are expected to debut in the Apple News app in early 2024 for free and paid users.

What is remarkable is that these media outlets report to the New York Times. Interestingly, The New York Times removed its content from the News app more than three years ago, citing a disconnect with its strategy of interacting directly with paying readers.