Apple has announced a new incentive program to entice publishers to maintain a “robust” presence on the Apple News platform, launching a initiative that cuts the commission Apple takes when readers subscribe to a publishers paywalled content through their own iPhone or iPad app.
“The News Partner Program is designed for subscription news publications that provide their content to Apple News in Apple News Format,” says Apple. “Publishers that work with Apple News may qualify for a commission rate of 15% on qualifying in-app purchase subscriptions from day one. In addition, the News Partner Program will help support, fund, and collaborate with leading organizations globally that educate news consumers on media literacy and that further efforts to diversify newsrooms and news coverage.”
Apple says online that participants must maintain a robust Apple News channel in Australia, Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom, and publish all content to that channel in Apple News Format.
Publishers’ apps must be available on the App Store and allow users to purchase auto-renewable subscriptions through Apple’s in-app purchase system.
Today’s announcement follows Apple News+ being added to Apple’s affiliate partner program earlier this year.