Apple News magazine service details revealed by latest macOS beta

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Apple News
Apple News is about to get magazines too.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

Apple News’ magazine subscription service looks like it will be available on iOS and macOS when it’s unveiled later this month.

After digging into the latest macOS 10.14.4 beta, developer Steve Troughton-Smith found some new references that confirm the magazine subscription service is on the way. Even better, Apple’s code provides some new details about it that we didn’t know.

Steve Troughton-Smith tweeted some images that show macOS will notify subscribers when new magazine issues are available. Previous iOS 12.2 betas revealed similar notifications on iPhone and iPad. It also looks like Apple News’ magazine service will have seven sections or tabs: Following, For You, History, Magazines, My Magazines, Saved and Subscription.

Apple purchased magazine subscription service Texture one year ago on this date. Texture charges $9.99 for unlimited access to magazines, but it appears that Apple News’ magazine service will let you pick and choose what you subscribe to.

The latest macOS 10.14.4 beta reveals that the magazine are PDF-based, which is pretty standard. There will be an option to store magazines offline. Magazines will be divided into 15 categories: Automotive, Business & Finance, Crafts & Hobby, Entertainment, Fashion & Style, Food & Cooking, Health & Fitness, Home & Gardening, Kids & Parenting, Men’s lifestyle, News & Politics, Science & Technology, Sports & Recreation, Travel and Women’s Lifestyle.

Apple sent out invites to a March 25 event yesterday where all the details of the magazine subscription service will be unveiled. We also expect Apple to dish out details of its new TV streaming service at the event too. Other announcements could include an updated iPad, iPad mini 5 and AirPods 2.0.

 

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