Apple has recently announced a new feature that is set to shake up the world of recipe apps. On Friday, the company revealed that it will be launching a section called Apple News+ Food for subscribers of its Apple News+ service. This new addition will allow users to easily search for, discover, save, and cook recipes from a variety of established publishing partners. This feature is expected to go live in April as part of the upcoming iOS 18.4 and iPadOS 18.4 updates, but it will only be available in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia.
Unlike many stand-alone recipe apps that pull content from various sources like blogs or social media platforms, Apple News+ Food will focus solely on recipes from its existing publishing partners. At launch, Apple plans to have over 30 publishers participating, which is an increase from the 20 that are currently in testing. Some of the well-known names involved include Allrecipes, Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, and Good Housekeeping, among others. With tens of thousands of recipes on offer, this new feature aims to provide users with a robust collection of cooking ideas, all in one place.
For users of iPhones and iPads, accessing Apple News+ Food will be straightforward. They can find a new Food section by scrolling down in the Today feed of the Apple News app. Here, they will discover a featured recipe curated by Apple’s editorial team, as well as a collection of food-related articles and a broader selection of recipes. Additionally, users can save their favorite recipes for easy access later, making it a convenient option for anyone who loves to cook.
The way users interact with Apple News+ Food is designed to be user-friendly. There are multiple ways to access the recipe catalog. Users can either click on the “More food” link in the Food section or navigate directly to the “Food” link from the Following tab. This flexibility allows users to go straight to the recipes without having to sift through news articles if they prefer. The app will also personalize recommendations based on user engagement, helping to surface recipes that align with individual tastes.
When browsing for recipes, users can filter their searches based on specific criteria such as “easy,” “vegetarian,” or “under 30 minutes.” This makes it easier for home cooks to find exactly what they’re looking for, whether they need a quick dinner idea or a healthy option. The recipes themselves are presented in a clean, ad-free format, making them easy to read and follow. Key information, including ingredients, cooking time, and servings, is clearly laid out, which enhances the cooking experience.
Apple has also included some handy features to make cooking more convenient. For instance, users can tap on an ingredient to see the amount needed without having to scroll back to the list. There’s even a built-in timer that can be activated by tapping on the cooking time in the instructions. Additionally, a dedicated cooking mode allows users to view recipes in full screen with larger text, ensuring that they can easily follow along without fumbling with their device.
However, there are some limitations to the Apple News+ Food feature. Users will not be able to add their own recipes or import recipes from other sources, such as social media platforms like TikTok or Instagram. This could be a drawback for those who enjoy finding new recipes from various online sources. The service is primarily designed to showcase content from Apple’s publishing partners, limiting the diversity of recipes available to users.
With the launch of Apple News+ Food, Apple is making a strategic move into the mobile app ecosystem, where it will compete with independent developers who have traditionally dominated the recipe app market. Unlike smaller developers, Apple has the resources to launch new features that don’t rely on a specific business model beyond iPhone sales. While this may provide users with a wealth of new options, it also presents challenges for independent developers trying to thrive in a competitive landscape.
To access Apple News+ Food, users will need a subscription to Apple News+, which costs $12.99 per month in the U.S. and varies slightly in other countries. This subscription not only includes access to the new Food section but also provides users with access to over 400 magazines, newspapers, and digital publishers. As Apple continues to expand its offerings, it will be interesting to see how this new feature impacts the recipe app market and the way people discover and enjoy cooking.
