With the launch of Apple News+ and its selection of hundreds of magazines, Apple has decided to naturally shut down Texture.
Texture, prior to being acquired by Apple, was partly owned by Rogers Media and other major magazines publishers, offering a Netflix-type version of digital magazines.
TechCrunch reports Texture has started notifying customers the standalone app is set to shut down on May 28, 2019, as noted on the Texture FAQ page.
“Texture is ending. Texture’s last day of service is May 28, 2019. But you can continue reading your favorite magazines, plus so much more, with Apple News+,” reads the announcement.
As for a transition? Texture writes “Get 1 free month of Apple News+ to continue reading,” which is the same free offer all Apple users get, so it’s nothing extra for these early adopters.
The Texture app is available for iOS and Android and for the latter, the end of the magazine app leaves them hanging, since Apple News+ requires an iOS or Mac. To continue with Texture means Apple News+ only, and that means buying an iOS or Mac, which is more expensive than an entry Android tablet or PC.
There’s no word whether Apple News+ will make its way to Android like Apple Music, yet.
Some Android Texture users vented on Twitter about the shutdown, with one equating the shutdown as a ‘slap in the face’:
#Texture service ending , now apple only. What a slap in the face for Android users. F. Y. Texture.
— Michael Oakley (@user13mo) March 29, 2019
Texture is officially ending and the service is being replaced by Apple+ News, which sucks for anyone like me who doesn't own an iPad. my Kindle Fire was only $60.
— jack's diary (@JacksKnow) March 29, 2019
Apple News+ contains over 200+ magazines for Canadians and costs $12.99 per month, and includes a partial digital subscription to The Toronto Star.
How are you liking Apple News+ so far?
