Apple has introduced a number of new features to its news application Apple News, including a daily audio news briefing from Apple News editors, and curated local news.
From today (July 16), Apple will produce daily news stories, narrated by professional actors, based on popular content from third-party publications who are part of Apple News+.
Early stories converted into audio formats include content from New York Magazine, Wired, GQ, Esquire, and Fast Company, though the content is only available in the United States.
A brand-new Apple News Today podcast offers a morning briefing of the biggest news stories of the day and will be narrated by Humita Basu and Duarte Geraldino.
This podcast is free for all listeners in the United States and is available on both the Apple News and Podcasts app. The new show will be available every weekday morning as a trial run.
Speaking of the new features, Lauren Kern, editor-in-chief of Apple News, said: “Apple News showcases so much great journalism, and we’re excited to help bring it to life in new ways with Apple News+ audio stories and a new daily news show, Apple News Today.
“We also greatly value our many local news partners — our new local news feature highlights their work for readers who live, and are interested, in those communities.”
Other new features include CarPlay support, allowing users to listen to audio stories and Apple News Today whilst they’re driving.
Curated local news has also been added, though this is limited to the Bay Area, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco for the time being. The idea is to present users with coverage of local news stories, including sports, news, politics, weather, and more. Further locations are expected to follow later in 2020.
These new features come at the same time as Apple offers both Best Buy and Verizon customers extended free Apple News+ trials. Best Buy offers four months for free when you sign up via the Best Buy website, and Verizon offers new iPad customers six months free.
Are you excited to see Apple up its Apple News+ game? Let us know your thoughts and check back soon for more news on Apple News+, and other services, as and when we get it.
