Despite rumors of iOS app subscriptions soon knocking on our door, it would appear that Apple and publishers still have a long way to go. The sticking point? Publishers are wanting to be able to sell subscriptions all on their own, or be able to hang onto subscriber info. Apple has other thoughts in mind.
According to various sources, Apple is offering publishers:
-The ability to sell app subscriptions through iTunes.
-70% of the revenue from each sale.
-The ability to offer an opt-in form for subscribers that would ask them for a limited amount of information such as: Name, mailing address, and email address.
Supposedly, that offer has been on the table for a "couple months," and thus far, no publisher has bit at the deal. Publishers aren't fond of Apple getting 30% of the loot, with a big focal point being a lack of having access to credit card data. Publishers are able to use that data for marketing, and aren't able to offer up print/digital bundles as well.
As All Things Digital points out, for now publishers may seem content with hoping to achieve what they want through Google Android tablets, with the hopes that Apple will see the light eventually.
Granted, that doesn't mean there won't be any magazine subscriptions being offered up in the interim on iTunes. Newsweek is currently selling its iPad magazine as a standalone subscription app and aren't receiving any data. Time Warner also releases People magazine's digital version to any print subscriber.
But as this is Apple, anything can happen, so be sure to stay tuned!
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