New Yorker editor David Remnick has said he wants to give readers the option of paying for a premium subscription that includes access to the magazine in print, online and on devices like the iPad. However, Apple could be months away from introducing an iPad subscription offering, and publishers remain uncertain about the terms that will govern sales.
via WSJ.com.
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To be fair switching to a subscription offering probably involves a lot of complicated issues for Apple. The whole iTunes system is built around a single-purchase model. On the other hand, Apple surely can’t be surprised that periodical publishers would want the capability. A subscription sales model for iTunes really should have been introduced along with the initial iPad announcement.
Apple needs to be careful here. With the onslaught of tablet devices being introduced between now and Christmas, there will be competing subscription services springing up that could quickly gain market share on iTunes. More choices wouldn’t be a bad thing, IMHO.
For some time I’ve thought that Apple should spin off iTunes and allow it to become an independent cross-platform electronic content provider. Apple seems content using iTunes as a vehicle to drive hardware sales. I think that is myopic. They really should be trying to capitalize on iTunes dominant market position and make market share growth a top priority.
If you think about it, hubris has been a common thread in the demise of every big technology company. Apple is showing a lot of signs of hubris right now. The “we’ll get around to it in a few months” attitude is disturbing.
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