Apple: App Subscription System Announcement "Soon"

Apple VP of internet services Eddy Cue took the stage with Rupert Murdoch today to announce The Daily, and has confirmed that publishers can expect to "hear an announcement from us soon" as to when they might be able to access the same subscription model as unveiled today. The Daily will use a new recurring billing system, offering weekly payments of $9.99 for seven issues, or $39.99 for a year's access.

Asked whether Apple saw the new subscription API as a way for the company to "reboot" its relationships with publishers, Cue dismissed the idea that there was any need to do so. Instead, he pointed out, Apple has a solid relationship with publishers who are enjoying great success with their App Store content.

As for the ongoing arguments over the Sony Reader app and allegations that Apple is now imposing in-app purchases, Cue said Apple did not want to talk about the issue at present. Still, he claims, Apple wants its customers "to be happy."