Apple News+ 2026: Is It Worth the Subscription?

Apple News+ is Apple's $12.99/month subscription that bundles access to 500+ magazines and select paywalled newspapers alongside the free Apple News app. In 2026, it includes publications ranging from The Atlantic to Time, Vogue, National Geographic, The Wall Street Journal, and Los Angeles Times. But is it actually worth it?

TL;DR: Apple News+ is a strong value if you already pay for 2+ magazine subscriptions or read The Wall Street Journal regularly. For casual news readers, the free Apple News tier is sufficient. For Android users, it's not an option — Apple News is iOS/macOS only.

What's Included in Apple News+ 2026

Apple News+ includes:

• 500+ magazines: Time, The Atlantic, National Geographic, Vogue, GQ, Bon Appétit, Rolling Stone, Scientific American, Popular Science, and hundreds more
• Newspapers: The Wall Street Journal (news articles, though not all WSJ content), Los Angeles Times, Toronto Star
• Digital-only publications: Various online-first publications and special issues
• Puzzles: Crosswords, Cryptic, Spelling Bee, Connections — added in 2024 and now a major value-add
• Ad-light experience: Most articles appear without tracking ads
• Offline access: Download issues for offline reading

Price: $12.99/month (or bundled in Apple One at $19.95-37.95/month)

Apple News+ vs Individual Subscriptions

The value calculation for News+ depends on which publications you read:

If you subscribe to The Atlantic ($9.99) and National Geographic ($9.99) individually, that's already $20/month — more than Apple News+ with 498 additional publications.

The math works in Apple News+'s favor for:

• Anyone who pays for 2+ magazine subscriptions currently
• WSJ readers who primarily need news coverage (not financial data tools)
• Magazine enthusiasts who read across multiple interests (fashion, science, culture)

The math doesn't work for:

• Casual readers who check news without subscribing to anything
• Android users (News+ is Apple-only)
• Users who primarily want a single specific publication's full archive

Apple News+ Puzzles: The Underrated Value

In 2024, Apple added daily puzzles to Apple News+ — including Crossword, Mini Crossword, Cryptic Crossword, Spelling Bee, and Connections. These are similar to the NYT Games subscription ($5.99/month separately). For puzzle enthusiasts, the puzzles alone can justify a portion of the News+ cost.

What Apple News+ Doesn't Include

Important limitations:

• WSJ digital tools: Apple News+ includes WSJ news articles but not the Markets data tools, portfolio tracking, or full WSJ+ subscription benefits
• NYT: The New York Times is not included — NYT requires a separate subscription
• Washington Post: Not included
• Full magazine archives: Back issues vary by publisher — some offer full archives, others only current issues
• Android/Windows: Apple News and News+ are iOS and macOS only

How Apple News+ Compares to Alternatives

Readly is the main cross-platform competitor at $9.99/month with 5,000+ magazines — available on Android where Apple News+ is not.

Who Should Subscribe to Apple News+

Subscribe if you:

• Already pay for 2+ magazines individually
• Read The Atlantic, Time, or National Geographic regularly
• Enjoy daily puzzles (crossword, Spelling Bee, Connections)
• Use Apple devices exclusively and want a premium reading experience
• Want WSJ news coverage without paying $38.99/month for full access

Skip it if you:

• Only need basic daily news (free Apple News covers this)
• Use Android (not available)
• Primarily read NYT or Washington Post (not included)
• Don't read magazines regularly

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Apple News+ include The New York Times?

No. The New York Times is not included in Apple News+. NYT requires a separate subscription starting at $4/week ($17/month) for full All Access, or $5.99/month for NYT Games only.

Can I share Apple News+ with family?

Yes. Apple News+ is included in Family Sharing, allowing up to 5 family members to share one subscription at no additional cost.

Is there a free trial for Apple News+?

Apple periodically offers 1-month free trials for new subscribers. Check the App Store listing or Apple's website for current trial availability.

Final Verdict

Apple News+ delivers strong value at $12.99/month for regular magazine readers — 500+ publications, daily puzzles, and an ad-reduced reading experience is a compelling package. The key question is whether you're currently paying for individual magazines that are included. If yes, News+ almost certainly saves money. If you're primarily a news reader who doesn't subscribe to magazines, stick with the free Apple News tier. Visit GetFree.app to discover more content and subscription apps.

Our Verdict: Apple News+ is worth it for magazine readers with 2+ current subscriptions, puzzle enthusiasts, and WSJ casual news readers — not worth it for casual free news readers or Android users.

Last updated: February 2026