Is Apple News Worth Paying For? An Honest Review

In today's digital age, there are many ways to consume news and content. One of the more recent additions to the mix is Apple News Plus. Let me share my thoughts on whether it's worth spending your hard-earned money on this service.

Not for Everyone

Firstly, I honestly don’t think Apple News Plus is worth paying for, unless you love diving into specific, in-depth content so much that you're willing to shell out $9.99 per month. If not, then perhaps there are better ways to allocate your budget.

Syncing with the Apple News app, however, has become my favorite go-to news source. I find myself using it more frequently than my previous favorite, Flipboard. The coverage is a mix of curated content, interesting magazine articles, and the latest news from a variety of sources. It’s an all-in-one platform for staying informed, but I must admit, I don’t have the time to explore every magazine included in the subscription. Providers like SmartNews and Flipboard, which are free, offer similar services and often handle the sorting and curation more efficiently.

Is It Worth the Subscription Fee?

For those who believe that staying informed through paid news subscriptions is a valuable investment in the era of free internet news, you might have a point.

However, when you consider that several newspapers and magazines subscriptions can cost more than the $9.99 per month for Apple News Plus, it’s a more economical choice. One week with Apple News Plus can feel like a messy but good-enough Netflix for magazines. You get a wide range of content, but it's not always neatly organized.

Family Sharing and Savings

If you're a magazine junkie like me, then yes, it is well worth it, especially since I can share the subscription with up to five other family members through Apple’s Family Share feature. It's a win-win situation.

Let’s do a quick math check: We currently subscribe to the Wall Street Journal's digital subscription, which costs around $37.50 per month or $450 a year. If we switch to Apple News Plus, which costs $9.99 per month, we would save $330 a year just on that alone. If you include other subscription savings from other sources, the savings can be even more significant.

Conclusion

I find that the All-Access Pass offered by Apple News Plus is a good deal, especially if you value staying informed and don't have the time to watch TV. Just make sure to prioritize your spending wisely and consider whether the magazine content truly adds value to your life. Happy reading!

Keywords: Apple News, paid news subscription, magazine junkie