In today’s fast-moving digital world, many readers want quick, reliable, and convenient access to high-quality journalism. For business professionals, investors, and general news readers, The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) remains one of the most respected financial newspapers in the world. But subscribing to WSJ directly can feel expensive, especially with plans often priced at $38–$39 per month.
This is where Apple News+ comes in. Apple has partnered with major newspapers and magazines including WSJ to offer a curated reading experience at a lower price. However, many readers wonder what “Apple News WSJ access” actually means. Do you get the full WSJ subscription? Or just part of it? Is there a hack to unlock more content?
In this detailed guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about WSJ access through Apple News, the differences between Apple News+ and a standalone WSJ subscription, and tips for making the most of your reading experience.
1. Understanding Apple News and Apple News+
Before diving into WSJ access, it’s important to understand Apple’s news ecosystem.
- Apple News is Apple’s free news aggregator app available on iOS, iPadOS, and macOS devices. It lets you follow trending topics, publishers, and curated stories. However, much of the premium content from top outlets like The Wall Street Journal, The New Yorker, or National Geographic is paywalled.
- Apple News+ is the paid tier of Apple News. For $12.99/month, subscribers get access to hundreds of magazines, newspapers, and digital outlets in one place. The Wall Street Journal is included, but not in its entirety. Instead, Apple News+ provides a curated selection of WSJ articles designed for the general reader.
This is where confusion begins: while Apple advertises WSJ access, many subscribers expect full access and are surprised when it turns out to be limited.
2. What Exactly Do You Get from WSJ on Apple News+?
Apple News+ subscribers can open the WSJ channel inside the News app. Here’s what’s typically included:
- Curated consumer-focused articles: Topics like lifestyle, technology, personal finance, politics, and trending business news.
- Limited archive access: You won’t get the full WSJ archive; older in-depth reports, deep analyses, and niche business articles are excluded.
- No standalone WSJ app access: Your Apple News+ subscription won’t unlock the WSJ app or WSJ.com login. You must stay within the Apple News environment.
In short, Apple News+ delivers a taste of WSJ, not the entire publication. It’s best for casual readers who want key updates without paying full subscription prices.
3. Cost Comparison: Apple News+ vs. Direct WSJ Subscription
Here’s how the costs stack up:
| Option | Price (Monthly) | Access Level | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple News+ | $12.99 | Curated WSJ articles + 300+ magazines/news | Casual readers, cost-conscious users |
| WSJ Digital Only | ~$38–$39 | Full WSJ.com, app, archives, newsletters | Professionals, investors, deep readers |
| WSJ Print + Digital | $50+ | Print delivery + full digital | Traditional readers, corporations |
For most casual news consumers, Apple News+ is a bargain: you get WSJ highlights plus hundreds of other publications. But for serious business professionals who rely on market-moving insights, data, and deep reporting, the direct WSJ subscription remains unmatched.
4. The “Open in News” Workaround
One clever way to expand your WSJ access inside Apple News+ is by using a Safari trick.
How it works:
- Open Safari on your iPhone or iPad.
- Navigate to a WSJ article even if it shows a paywall.
- Tap the Share icon.
- Select “Open in News.”
Often, this will load the full WSJ article directly in Apple News, bypassing the paywall.
⚠️ Limitations:
- This trick works only on iPhone and iPad, not on Mac.
- Some niche or archive articles may still remain inaccessible.
- It depends on Apple’s ongoing integration future updates may limit this feature.
Still, many Apple News+ subscribers swear by this workaround as a way to stretch their $12.99 subscription.
5. User Experiences: Pros and Cons
Let’s look at what real users say about Apple News WSJ access:
Positive Experiences
- Cost savings: Paying $12.99 for Apple News+ gives you WSJ access plus content from hundreds of other periodicals.
- Convenience: Instead of juggling multiple subscriptions, you get a single hub for news.
- Diverse reading: Alongside WSJ, you can explore Wired, National Geographic, TIME, and more.
“For me, paying $12.99 for News+, and getting access to WSJ content along with several other outlets is a no-brainer.” – Reddit user
Negative Experiences
- Limited WSJ coverage: Only a fraction of WSJ’s reporting appears in Apple News+.
- Poor search functionality: Articles don’t appear as neatly organized as in WSJ’s own app.
- Presentation issues: Some readers dislike Apple’s formatting compared to WSJ’s native design.
“I ended up switching back to the full WSJ subscription. The access is limited, and the user experience just wasn’t as good.” – Former News+ subscriber
6. Who Should Use Apple News WSJ Access?
Apple News+ WSJ access is best for:
- Casual readers who want occasional WSJ highlights without paying $40/month.
- Apple ecosystem users who already rely on iPhone, iPad, or Mac for daily reading.
- Magazine lovers who also enjoy other News+ titles like The Atlantic, Vanity Fair, or The New Yorker.
Direct WSJ subscriptions are better for:
- Investors and professionals who need detailed financial reporting.
- Researchers and students who rely on WSJ archives for study.
- Heavy readers who prefer WSJ’s own app design and features.
7. Apple News WSJ Access in 2025: What’s New?
As of 2025, Apple continues to expand News+ partnerships. WSJ remains one of the flagship newspaper offerings, but the relationship has not changed dramatically since its 2019 launch. Apple highlights the partnership as part of its push to offer premium journalism at a more affordable price, while WSJ gains exposure to millions of new readers who might otherwise never subscribe.
There’s also speculation that Apple may soon improve search functionality and archive access inside Apple News+. However, as of now, limitations still exist.
8. FAQs on Apple News WSJ Access
Q1: Does Apple News+ include full access to WSJ?
No, it only includes a curated selection of WSJ articles, not the full archive.
Q2: Can I log in to the WSJ app with my Apple News+ subscription?
No, WSJ app and WSJ.com require a direct subscription.
Q3: Is the Safari “Open in News” trick still working?
Yes, as of 2025, many users report it still works on iPhone and iPad.
Q4: Is Apple News+ worth it for WSJ alone?
If WSJ is your sole interest, probably not. But if you enjoy multiple magazines and outlets, then yes.
Q5: How much does Apple News+ cost?
Currently $12.99/month in the U.S.
9. Final Verdict
When it comes to Apple News WSJ access, the answer depends on what kind of reader you are.
- If you’re a casual news consumer, Apple News+ is a smart way to get WSJ highlights plus hundreds of other titles, all for one low monthly price.
- If you’re a serious WSJ reader or professional, Apple News+ won’t cut it you’ll need the full WSJ subscription for deep reporting, archives, and data-driven insights.
Apple News+ is best seen as a gateway to WSJ, not a full replacement. For $12.99, it’s a value-packed deal, but those who depend heavily on WSJ will find the direct subscription still necessary.
