Category: In the News, Insight, Ronn Torossian

Apple Poised to Enter News Business

apple news insights torossian
NPR recently reported that Apple just announced it will enter the news business. Well, the 21st Century digital aggregate version of that field in any case. iOS9 will, reportedly, be released with an app simply titled “News,” which comes equipped along with standard apps such as Calendar, Music, and Maps. The purpose of the app will be, essentially, a news aggregator. Pick your favorite sites and get all your news through a single app.

It’s an idea that’s about as new as disco, so why is Apple so excited about their version of something that’s been available for years? Because they know people will use it. They won’t be forced to, per se, but they also won’t be able to delete the app once they upgrade to iOS9. The app doesn’t have to cover new ground, it just has to be at least as user-friendly as the news aggregator app the customer is already using.

And, for those who have several apps they use to connect to the news they want, this app will prove a convenient space saver. Just like its predecessor, Newsstand, which proved to be an unwieldy failure. So, no guarantees of success here, but Apple is sticking to the plan that brought it this far. Give customers a convenient alternative they can’t get rid of and try to win them by attrition.
The message Apple is feeding the press is one of solidarity and innovation. News brands have lost power in the open market of the net, so why not figure out a way to help consumers navigate these uncharted waters? It’s an interesting approach that hopes to force publishers to filter their content through a product owned by Apple. Essentially, while providing customers a “convenient” experience, Apple is squeezing publishers in the hopes that, this time at least, they acquiesce to slapping an Apple on their delivery system.

NPR recently reported that Apple just announced it will enter the news business. Well, the 21st Century digital aggregate version of that field in any case. iOS9 will, reportedly, be released with an app simply titled “News,” which comes equipped along with standard apps such as Calendar, Music, and Maps. The purpose of the app will be, essentially, a news aggregator. Pick your favorite sites and get all your news through a single app. It’s an idea that’s about as new as disco, so why is Apple so excited about their version of something that’s been available for years? Because they know people will use it. They won’t be forced to, per se, but they also won’t be able to…