The Economist Group has announced the global launch of its flagship title, The Economist, on two new apps – The Economist for iPhone and The Economist for iPad. Both are available now in the Apple App Store. The iPhone app was built by AgaveApps, while the iPad app was built by TigerSpike.
The free apps include a weekly sample of must-read articles chosen by the editor. The full issue of The Economist is available through in-app purchase each week beginning Thursday evenings (9:00pm GMT/4:00pm EST). A single issues costs $5.99/£3.49/€4.99. Digital and print subscribers can receive full and unrestricted access to The Economist on iPad, iPhone and iPod touch as well as The Economist online by using their print or online subscription credentials.
Once downloaded, each issue of The Economist is stored on the users device, so it can be reads without the need for an internet connection. Each issue also features the full audio edition, with all articles read by professional newscasters.
“We have reformatted the newspaper to make the most of iPad, iPhone and iPod touch, while retaining the familiar feel of The Economist, with all the articles, charts, maps and images from each weeks print edition,” says John Micklethwait, editor-in-chief of The Economist. “And we have integrated our audio edition, read by professional newscasters, for easy switching between reading and listening. We have put a lot of work into making sure that these new versions of The Economist are not just easy to use, but also make our readers feel at home.”