- CNN ceases to share content on Apple News amid ongoing negotiations
- Launch of new tiered subscription service aims to boost direct revenues
- The move highlights tensions between platform reliance and control over content
CNN has taken its content off Apple News, ending a distribution deal that has been in place since the app launched in 2015.
The network’s feed disappeared as the two sides negotiate new terms, with neither company commenting on the talks. The shift matters because it shows how quickly relationships between publishers and platforms can change as news organisations push harder for direct revenue.
The move comes weeks after CNN rolled out a tiered subscription model that places more of its journalism behind a paywall. The network now sells a $29.99-a-year articles plan and a $69.99 “All Access” bundle that combines written content with its streaming service.
Stepping away from Apple News puts CNN at odds with outlets such as News Corp, People Inc and Conde Nast, which use the platform for reach and extra revenue. Critics of platform distribution argue it weakens direct ties with readers – a risk at a moment when many publishers are trying to grow subscriptions as advertising and cable revenues fall.
Industry analysts see CNN’s withdrawal as consistent with its push to build a more controlled, subscriber-led business. Negotiations with Apple are continuing and could yet restore the partnership, but for now Apple News users will need to look elsewhere for CNN coverage.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.mactrast.com/2025/11/cnn-abruptly-pulls-its-content-from-apple-news/ – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/cnn-pulls-stories-apple-news-feed-semafor-reports-2025-11-24/ – CNN has withdrawn its stories from Apple News, ending its content-sharing agreement with the platform, according to a report by Semafor. Discussions between CNN and Apple are reportedly underway to negotiate a new deal that could potentially restore CNN’s content on the platform. At this time, the information has not been independently confirmed by Reuters. CNN declined to comment, while Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
- https://www.macrumors.com/2025/11/24/apple-news-loses-cnn/ – CNN has abruptly pulled its content from Apple News, ending its distribution agreement with the platform. The two companies are reportedly discussing a new deal that could restore CNN’s stories to Apple News. CNN declined to comment, and Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment. This move follows CNN’s recent launch of a paid subscription service and the introduction of a paywall to some online content.
- https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-10-16/warner-bros-cnn-launches-streaming-subscription-for-7-a-month – Warner Bros. Discovery Inc.’s CNN has launched a new digital subscription plan called ‘All Access,’ priced at $7 per month. The service offers live and on-demand programming across platforms, including streaming, the website, and mobile app. Subscribers who join by January 5 can get a special annual price of $42 for the first year. This move aims to offset declining cable TV revenue and expand CNN’s streaming presence in a competitive market.
- https://www.macrumors.com/2025/11/24/apple-news-loses-cnn/ – CNN has abruptly pulled its content from Apple News, ending its distribution agreement with the platform. The two companies are reportedly discussing a new deal that could restore CNN’s stories to Apple News. CNN declined to comment, and Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment. This move follows CNN’s recent launch of a paid subscription service and the introduction of a paywall to some online content.
- https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/streaming/cnns-new-all-access-streaming-service-still-doesnt-seem-to-include-cnn-110013821.html – CNN’s new All Access subscription service, launched on October 28, 2025, offers live and on-demand programming across platforms, including streaming, the website, and mobile app. The service is priced at $6.99 per month or $69.99 annually, with a special introductory price of $41.99 for the first year for subscribers who sign up by January 5, 2026. The move aims to provide audiences with a centralized destination for CNN’s journalism and original programming.
- https://www.macrumors.com/2025/11/24/apple-news-loses-cnn/ – CNN has abruptly pulled its content from Apple News, ending its distribution agreement with the platform. The two companies are reportedly discussing a new deal that could restore CNN’s stories to Apple News. CNN declined to comment, and Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment. This move follows CNN’s recent launch of a paid subscription service and the introduction of a paywall to some online content.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
10
Notes:
The narrative is fresh, with the earliest known publication date being November 23, 2025. No earlier versions with differing figures, dates, or quotes were found. The report is based on a press release, which typically warrants a high freshness score. No discrepancies or recycled content were identified.
Quotes check
Score:
10
Notes:
No direct quotes were identified in the provided text. The absence of quotes suggests the content is potentially original or exclusive.
Source reliability
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative originates from MacTrast, a reputable technology news outlet. While not as prominent as major organisations like the BBC or Reuters, MacTrast is known for its coverage of Apple-related news. The report cites Semafor, a reputable news organisation, as the original source.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
The claim that CNN has removed its content from Apple News aligns with reports from other reputable sources, including Reuters and MacRumors. The narrative includes specific details about CNN’s new paid subscription service, which are consistent with known information. The language and tone are consistent with typical corporate communications. No excessive or off-topic details were found.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative is fresh, original, and supported by multiple reputable sources. The absence of direct quotes and the use of a press release as the basis for the report suggest a high level of originality. The source, MacTrast, is a known technology news outlet, and the content’s plausibility is corroborated by other reputable organisations.
Register for Editor’s picks
Stay ahead of the curve with our Editor's picks newsletter – your weekly insight into the trends, challenges, and innovations driving the future of digital media.
