subscription services

Read Cult of Mac’s latest posts on subscription services:

Apple will rake in cash from Disney+ too

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The Mandalorian on Disney+
Watching The Mandalorian on Disney+ will probably make Apple money.
Photo: Disney/Cult of Mac

Apple and Disney are launching streaming video services this fall. Despite these being rivals, Apple will make money off both. There will be Disney+ apps for iOS and Apple TV, and consumers will be able to subscribe with in-app purchases, which means Apple gets a hefty cut of the revenue.

Plus, Star Wars fans can be assured they’ll be able to watch The Mandalorian when it debuts Nov. 12 with their iPad or other Apple computer.

Dive into a vast library of books, audiobooks and more, straight from your iPhone [Deals]

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Scribd
Save 25% or more on 6 month and year-long access to a million books, audiobooks, articles, and more.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Disappearing DVD collections are just one example of how streaming content is transforming our home libraries. So it seems only natural that an online subscription service will replace the books and magazines that take up shelf space.

Heads up: Bills for Apple News+ trial subscriptions going out soon

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Some publishers report that Apple News+ isn't a 'huge boon' for business
Apple News+ is about to send out its first monthly bills. It’s time to decide how much you like access to 300 magazines and more.
Photo: Apple

Everyone who signed up for a free trial of Apple News+ right after it was unveiled is about to get charged for their first month. While there’s a lot to like in this digital magazine/newspaper subscription service, anyone who’s not interested should get out before they get their first bill.

Fortunately, iOS makes this a snap.

Get a grip on your spending and subscriptions with one powerful app [Deals]

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Gain control and a bird's-eye view of your spending, including subscriptions.
Gain control and a bird's-eye view of your spending, including subscriptions.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

The subscription model is everywhere these days, from streaming content to app access. That means it’s easier than ever to lose track of outgoing cash. So this financial management app that also tracks subscriptions is welcome news.

Apple secretly urges iOS app makers to add subscriptions

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Microsoft Word is one of thousands of titles available only through app subscription fees.
Microsoft Word is one of thousands of titles available only through app subscription fees.
Photo: Microsoft

Apple wants developers to stop selling iOS applications and start renting them instead. The reason is simple: this forces users to pay more for software.

Apple held a secret meeting in New York City last year to convince developers to give up charging users a one-time fee for apps, and go instead to reoccurring charges.

iPhone app subscription fees doubled in a year

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Microsoft Word is one of thousands of titles available only through app subscription fees.
Microsoft Word is one of thousands of titles available only through app subscription fees.
Photo: Microsoft

We’re all accustomed to paying a simple, one-time fee for our iOS apps. But developers are increasingly turning to subscriptions. In fact, there were billions paid in app subscription fees in the past year.

Apple reported today that revenue from subscriptions is up 95 percent over last year.

Facebook finally going to charge you for some content

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Facebook subscription fees are coming.
Declutter My Home is one of a handful of Facebook groups that get to test charging subscription fees.
Photo: Facebook

A pilot project allows people who run Facebook groups to charge subscription fees for the content they create. During the testing process, this is an option for a limited number of group admins.

The fees can range from $4.99 to $29.99 a month. Facebook isn’t taking a share of the revenue.

Get your free trial of Setapp, the Netflix for Mac apps

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Setapp brings the subscription model of Netflix to Mac apps.
Setapp brings the subscription model of Netflix to Mac apps.
Photo: MacPaw

This post is presented by MacPaw, the software team behind Setapp and a variety of proven Mac apps.

These days, lots of us indulge in subscription services. From TV, movies and music to nerd paraphernalia and razors, subscribing to what you love is a great model for exploring many options at an affordable price. If you can name it, you can find a curated collection sent straight to your door or inbox — and now the subscription model is coming to disrupt Mac apps.

Marvel Unlimited App Comes To iOS With Subscription Access To 70 Years Worth Of Comics

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Screen Shot 2013-03-07 at 11.41.47 AM

Marvel Unlimited is a subscription service that offers access to a catalog of 13,000+ comics spanning a period of 70 years. After a newer comic has been in circulation for 6 months, it makes its way to Marvel Unlimited in digital form. The service costs $10 per month or $60 for a yearly subscription.

In the past you could only access Marvel Unlimited through an ugly Flash-based reader on the desktop or a clunky HTML5 app. Now Marvel has released a native iOS app for the subscription service. You can also read previews and browse dozens of full issues for free.

The New York Times Launches New HTML5 Web App Optimized For iPad

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The best way to read The Times on your iPad.
The best way to read The Times on your iPad.

The New York Times has today launched a new, “experimental” web app designed for optimal reading on the iPad. Built using HTML5, the app is available exclusively to digital subscribers with tablet access, as well as home delivery subscribers who link their account for digital access.

The app boasts a number of unique features, including four new ways to read the NYT, new “swipe-friendly” navigation gestures, and more.