According to MacRumors, CNN has abruptly pulled its content from Apple News over the weekend, effectively ending its distribution agreement with Apple while the two sides negotiate new terms. The network quietly removed its stories and there’s no longer a CNN feed to subscribe to in the app. CNN recently launched paid subscription services including a $29.99-per-year articles-only tier and a $69.99-per-year “All Access” plan combining written stories with streaming. The network has been present on Apple News since the app launched in 2015, making this a significant departure for an early partner. Discussions are apparently ongoing and CNN’s content could return if a new deal is reached.
The Paywall Problem
Here’s the thing – this isn’t really surprising when you look at the bigger picture. CNN just launched its own subscription business, and suddenly Apple News starts looking less like a distribution partner and more like a competitor. Why would anyone pay $30-$70 directly to CNN when they can potentially access that same content through an Apple News subscription?
And let’s be honest – Apple News hasn’t exactly been a revenue powerhouse for publishers. The economics have always been questionable. Publishers get a cut of Apple News+ revenue, but it’s divided among hundreds of partners. For a major network like CNN trying to build its own subscription business, that math probably doesn’t work anymore.
The Streaming Context
This move makes perfect sense when you consider CNN’s broader streaming strategy. They’ve got CNN+ that failed, they’re rebuilding their streaming presence, and now they’re pushing these “All Access” bundles. Having their best content available elsewhere undermines that entire strategy.
But here’s what’s interesting – CNN isn’t the first to question Apple News. Other major media companies have been cautious from the start. The platform launched with big promises about revolutionizing news distribution, but eight years later, it’s still unclear whether it’s actually driving meaningful revenue for publishers or just cannibalizing their direct relationships with readers.
What This Means Going Forward
So where does this leave Apple News? If more major publishers follow CNN’s lead, the platform could become increasingly filled with smaller outlets while the big names retreat behind their own paywalls. That creates a real quality problem.
Basically, we’re watching the ongoing tension between platform distribution and direct-to-consumer relationships play out in real time. Every publisher has to decide whether being on Apple News helps them reach new audiences or just gives away their best content for pennies on the dollar. For CNN right now, the calculation seems clear – but if negotiations resume, maybe the numbers will work out differently.
