What we have here is a lack of communication. Apple failed to tell three large publishers about a change in iOS 14 and macOS Big Sur that directs users who tap on an Apple News+ story in Safari to the Apple News app instead of the publisher’s website, according to Ad Age.
The report claims that two of the publishers are evaluating whether to terminate their relationship with Apple News+ as a result of the change, but for now are taking a “wait-and-see approach.”
Sources at five Apple News+ publishers told Digiday that Apple didn’t inform them of the change ahead of time with one source saying the move was “totally unethical,” while another says it’s “a bit shady.”
“They’re being kind of hypocritical,” that first source said. “They’re saying everybody can’t use third-party cookies and we can’t track our audience. Meanwhile, they control the hardware and the software pipeline.”
Apple News+ subscribers can turn this feature off (its default is set to on). Reached for a comment, Apple didn’t respond to the questions Digiday sent, instead providing this statement: “Apple is committed to creating the best experience for Apple News+ subscribers,” the statement read. “This change offers subscribers seamless access to the content that is part of their News+ subscription right in the News app or publisher app, as well as providing publishers with increased engagement and revenue opportunities on Apple News.”
