The most recent update for the Apple iPad has created a massive new problem with magazines purchased from the Newsstand. Any digital magazine published using the Adobe Publishing Suite or the Adobe Reader are finding their apps are either crashing or prompting users to buy the issue, even if they have an active subscription.
Many of the leading magazines available on the Apple Newsstand such as GQ, Wired, Men’s Health, and Fast Company are all seeing their magazines crash after the splash screen. Major publishers such as Conde Nast, Bauer, Meredith, Hearst are finding their entire magazine library are simply not working.
The initial problem stems from a new error from Adobe and offline reading with the Newsstand. Adobe actually raised this issue with Apple four weeks ago, but talks between the two sides broke down. Adobe says the developers have developed a new fix, but it will take four weeks for the new update to be approved. In the meantime, the new Adobe fix has been given to the publishing partners and they all are re-submitting updates to the Newsstand, which will solve the problem.
In the coming days and weeks you will be prompted to install a number of updates from any magazines you have subscribed to, if they are experiencing problems.
Michael Kozlowski is the editor-in-chief at Good e-Reader and has written about audiobooks and e-readers for the past fifteen years. Newspapers and websites such as the CBC, CNET, Engadget, Huffington Post and the New York Times have picked up his articles. He Lives in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
