Apple will close Texture in May after arrival of News+

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Goodbye Texture
'Texture is ending.'
Photo: Apple

Apple will close down Texture in May following the recent launch of Apple News+.

Texture, another magazine subscription service, was acquired by Apple for an undisclosed sum last spring. Cupertino encourages existing subscribers to migrate to its new platform. But those who don’t use Mac or iOS will have to find their magazines elsewhere.

Much like News+, Texture gives subscribers access to hundreds of magazines from the world’s biggest publishers for just $9.99 a month. It first launched in 2012 with the backing of Condé Nast, News Corp, Time Inc., and others. But it’s nearly the end of the road for the service.

Its official website today confirms that “Texture is ending.”

Texture will close in May

Texture’s last day of service will be May 28, 2019, a new FAQ explains. “But you can continue reading your favorite magazines, plus so much more, with Apple News+.” Apple’s new service is the same price, and the first month is free for new subscribers.

The move is hardly a surprise following the launch of News+. Apple certainly doesn’t need two magazine subscription services under its umbrella. But lots of Texture fans — particularly those who don’t use Apple devices — aren’t happy about it.

The Apple News app isn’t available on third-party platforms, which means there’s no way to migrate to News+ if you use Android. Apple may bring News+ to Android later — it does offer Apple Music on Google’s platform — but for now there’s no word on a new Android app.

Joining Apple News+

Apple won’t automatically migrate Texture subscribers to News+, so if you want to maintain access to your favorite magazines, you’ll have to make the switch yourself. You can access the service on an iPhone or iPad running iOS 12.2, or a Mac running Mojave 10.14.4.

News+ does have some nice benefits you don’t get with Texture, including an improve reading experience. It also lets you share your subscription with up to six others using Family Sharing.

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