50% of iPad Magazine Subscribers Allow Apple to Pass Info to Publishers - MacRumors
Skip to Content

50% of iPad Magazine Subscribers Allow Apple to Pass Info to Publishers

share

Last week, Forbes writer Jeff Bercovici asked what was it that changed that prompted Hearst and Conde Nast to suddenly agree to Apple's terms for iPad magazine subscriptions. The answer turned out to be surprisingly simple. Publishers had previously argued that the lack of subscriber information from iPad subscriptions was even a bigger hurdle than the 30% revenue share. Instead of automatically sharing the data, Apple asks individual subscribers to opt in. As it turns out, up to 50% of users agree.

Initially, publishers were worried, reasonably enough, that users would overwhelmingly say no. But they don't. In fact, about 50 percent opt in.

Apple's Eddy Cue confirmed the figure according to Bercovici. The author credits the trust in the App Store as the reason for the high opt-in rate.

Popular Stories

macworld iphone 18 pro colors

iPhone 18 Pro's Four Rumored Colors Revealed, Including 'Dark Cherry'

Friday April 17, 2026 3:50 am PDT by
A source said to be familiar with Apple's supply chain today revealed the color options Apple is planning for the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and the upcoming foldable iPhone. Image via Macworld. The information comes from Macworld, which says the signature new color for this year's Pro models will be Dark Cherry, a deep wine-like red. While other sources had previously reported on a...
ipad mini 7 feature red and blue

OLED iPad Mini: Release Date, Pricing, and What to Expect

Wednesday April 15, 2026 8:15 am PDT by
According to the latest rumors, Apple is close to launching its next-generation iPad mini. So what should we expect from the successor to the iPad mini 7 that Apple released over a year ago? Read on to find out. Processor and Performance Apple is working on a next-generation version of the iPad mini (codename J510/J511) that features the A19 Pro chip, according to information found in code...
apple design award 2025

Apple Announces 2025 Design Award Winners Ahead of WWDC 2025

Tuesday June 3, 2025 10:14 am PDT by
As we wait for WWDC to kick off next Monday, Apple today announced the winners of its annual Apple Design Awards, recognizing apps and games for their innovation, ingenuity, and technical achievement. The 2025 Apple Design Award winners are listed below, with one app and one game selected per category: Delight and Fun - CapWords (App) and Balatro (Game) Innovation - Play (App) and PBJ -...

Top Rated Comments

Dr McKay Avatar
195 months ago
At least it tells you it wants to, and gives you the option to say "No".

Nothing sinister, it's being open and honest.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
VanMac Avatar
195 months ago
Options are good

I think it's good being given the option. Certain products I like or trust, and don't mind providing my info for more communications.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Popeye206 Avatar
195 months ago
Only Grade-A suckers do something for free. If they want my demographic data, then I want something in return (e.g. 20% off). It's business, don't ask for something of value and not offer something in return. Same thing with paperless billing, The only time I have agreed in the past was when I received a credit or gift certificate in return.

You know, thinking about your statement, Apple really deserves kudos. They have 100's of million names and info and yet, do nothing with it to my knowledge. Obviously they do have some opt in things, but buying a Mac or having an iTunes account dosent translate into junk mail.

It will be interesting to see how Google does overtime since all their free OS's are supported by ad sales.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Popeye206 Avatar
195 months ago
Why would anyone give them this info - you are just lining the pubs pockets when they sell your info to others.

You hate everything don't you?

Like it or not advertising pays for most of our entertainment. Everything from sports to TV to movies. What's the big deal? Ignore what you don't like and pay attention to what you want.

Personally I don't care. Send me all the crap you want. Some of it I may actually care about. No harm, no foul.

I wish people here would grow up about companies trying to make money. It's what companies do. But just because they do something that makes them money does not make them evil. Geech. :rolleyes:
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
SockRolid Avatar
195 months ago
Publishers just might survive after all

Magazine publishers made most of their money by selling their subscribers' demographic data to ad agencies. Back in the day when people actually subscribed to physical magazines. If enough suckers, er, subscribers say "yes" then maybe there's hope for old school publishers after all.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
kurzz Avatar
195 months ago
Yes, I click allow because I'd love to receive advertising and countless hard to unsubscribe emails from companies I've never heard of because they've sold my name, email and address. ;)

At least I get free paper ads in the mail that I can use for the pet cage.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)