According to 9to5Mac, CNN has ended its partnership with Apple News after a decade-long relationship that began in 2015. The cable news network quietly removed its content over the weekend, though both companies are reportedly still negotiating a potential new deal. CNN had been providing hand-crafted “feature stories blending photos, videos and animations” specifically for Apple News. The timing coincides with CNN’s recent launch of its own digital subscription service, including a $29.99/year articles-only plan and a $69.99/year All Access version. Meanwhile, Apple News+ recently added The Washington Post to its $12.99/month service, which also includes The Wall Street Journal.
The subscription squeeze
Here’s the thing – we’re seeing a fundamental tension playing out across the media landscape. Publishers want direct relationships with readers and their subscription dollars, while platforms like Apple want to aggregate content to keep users engaged. CNN’s move makes perfect sense when you look at their new $29.99/year subscription push. Why give away your best content for free (or for Apple’s cut) when you’re trying to convince people to pay you directly?
And let’s be honest – Apple News+ at $12.99/month isn’t exactly cheap either. That’s $156 per year for access to multiple publications. But if you’re CNN, getting a slice of that pie probably doesn’t compare to having someone pay $30-$70 directly to you. The math just doesn’t work in favor of platform partnerships when you’re building your own subscription business.
Strategic move or permanent exit?
Now, the interesting part is that this might just be a negotiating tactic. Semafor reports that discussions about a new deal are ongoing. Basically, CNN might be playing hardball to get better terms from Apple. Remove your content, show them how much they need you, then come back to the table with more leverage.
But what if this is more permanent? CNN’s leadership has changed, their strategy has shifted toward direct subscriptions, and the economics of news aggregation have gotten tougher. I mean, when you’re asking people to pay for your content, does it really make sense to have that same content available through someone else’s app?
Where does this leave Apple News?
Apple’s playing both sides here. The free Apple News tier keeps getting thinner while News+ gets more premium content. The recent addition of The Washington Post is clearly meant to offset the loss of CNN. But here’s my question: how many news subscriptions do they think people will pay for?
We’re reaching subscription fatigue territory. Between streaming services, news apps, and various digital memberships, consumers are getting picky about where they spend their money. Apple News+ has to justify its $12.99 price tag against individual subscriptions like CNN’s $29.99/year ($2.50/month) and the fact that most news remains available for free elsewhere.
The platform-versus-publisher battle is only going to intensify. And honestly, I don’t see a clean resolution anytime soon. Every media company needs to decide whether they’re better off inside the walled garden or building their own fortress.
