The iTunes Newsstand was introduced a few years ago by Apple as a way of grouping digital publication apps into a common location, much like a conventional newsstand might. This provides the reader with a convenient way to quickly locate and browse the publications they own on their tablet. It also serves as an app filter in iTunes so customers who are looking to purchase a publication don’t have to sift through the larger pile of apps to find what they’re looking for.

There are differences between Newsstand apps and conventional apps that publishers should be aware of when considering how to publish their digital magazines. For example, Newsstand replaces the app icon with the current magazine cover to entice readers to read the latest issue. Also, with Newsstand, publishers need to be aware that additional work is required to update the cover image every month. This cover becomes the icon that is displayed in Newsstand, which can make it a bit more difficult for a reader to find the app, since they won’t see a consistent app icon.

Newsstand Screenshot

Once a decision has been made to place an app in Newsstand, there are some technical logistics you need to know about in order to get it there:

  • It’s  important to understand the only difference between an app designated for Newsstand vs. the tablet desktop is a single checkbox in the DPS App Builder that indicates this to Apple. This is set by choosing the Enable Newsstand checkbox in DPS App Builder. Finding that checkbox can be a little tricky, because it only shows up when building the app as “Multifolio with iTunes Subscription” or “Multifolio with Entitlement and iTunes Subscription.”
  • Apple requires that your app include iTunes subscriptions as an option—or it can’t appear in Newsstand.

Once you have the app built with the newsstand option set correctly, you’re almost there. The remaining work is done in iTunes Connect, where you need to create the app setup and then select Newsstand Status on the app information page. In order to do this, you must first fill in all of the details for your app setup. This includes information such as the app name, pricing, categories (primary and secondary), keywords, and other supporting information.

When you’re done with your app setup, you’ll reach an app summary screen with a big blue button that says Newsstand Status. This will take you through the process of setting up the rest of what you need to get your app in the Newsstand.

Posted by: Marketing Manager