Texture (app)

Texture was a digital media service that provided users with access to a wide range of magazines through a single subscription. Launched in 2012 under the name Next Issue, it was rebranded as Texture in 2015. The service allowed subscribers to access their favorite magazines in digital form, both current and back issues, on various devices such as smartphones, tablets, and personal computers. Texture was often referred to as the "Netflix for magazines," highlighting its subscription-based model that offered unlimited access to a library of digital magazines for a monthly fee.

Overview

Texture provided a platform for readers to explore a vast array of digital magazines across different genres, including news, entertainment, fashion, technology, and more. The service aimed to revolutionize the way people accessed and read magazines by making it more convenient, eco-friendly, and cost-effective. Subscribers could enjoy reading without the clutter of physical magazines, benefiting from the portability and accessibility that digital content offers.

Features

The Texture app featured a user-friendly interface that made it easy for subscribers to navigate through the library of magazines. Key features included:

• Personalized Recommendations: The app suggested magazines and articles based on the user's reading habits and preferences.
• Curated Collections: Editors at Texture curated collections of articles to help users discover new content related to their interests.
• Offline Reading: Users could download magazines to their devices for offline reading, making it convenient for travel or when internet access was limited.
• High-Quality Content: The service provided high-resolution images and interactive features that enhanced the reading experience compared to traditional print magazines.

Acquisition by Apple

In March 2018, Apple Inc. announced that it had acquired Texture, signaling its intention to expand into the digital magazine and content subscription market. The acquisition was part of Apple's broader strategy to increase its services revenue and offer more content to its users. Following the acquisition, Apple launched Apple News+ in March 2019, which integrated Texture's magazine selection into its existing Apple News service. Apple News+ built upon Texture's foundation, offering subscribers access to an even broader range of magazines and newspapers.

Impact

Texture's innovative approach to digital magazine subscriptions played a significant role in the transition of print media to digital formats. By offering a convenient and sustainable alternative to physical magazines, Texture helped to reduce paper waste and the environmental impact associated with traditional magazine publishing. Furthermore, it provided publishers with a platform to reach a wider audience, potentially increasing readership and revenue in the digital age.

Closure

Following the launch of Apple News+, Texture's service was eventually phased out. Apple discontinued Texture in May 2019, encouraging its subscribers to transition to Apple News+ to continue accessing their favorite magazines digitally.

Legacy

Although Texture is no longer operational, its influence on the digital magazine subscription market continues. It demonstrated the viability of subscription-based models for digital content and paved the way for services like Apple News+. Texture's legacy lies in its contribution to the evolution of how media is consumed, promoting the shift towards digital consumption while supporting the sustainability of the publishing industry.