, Columnist
Can Subscriptions Cure Apple's iPhone Problem?
The company plans to give app developers a bigger cut for repeat customers.
This article is for subscribers only.
Subscriptions are most closely associated with old media staples like newspapers and magazines. But decidedly new economy Apple has fallen in love with subscriptions, too.
Last year Apple launched its subscription online music service, which was mightily flawed but represented the company's biggest foray into selling a product for which people pay money every month or year. Apple also has been trumpeting the iPhone leasing programs available in its U.S. retail stores that let people pay in regular installments -- yes, a subscription -- for a new smartphone instead of plopping down $650 or so upfront.