Google News Showcase is a paid curation and content-licensing program, separate from ordinary Google News eligibility. Apple’s News Partner Program instead offers eligible publishers a reduced commission on qualifying in-app subscriptions, while a South African regulator’s 2025 report describes Microsoft Start licensing full articles for on-platform reading and sharing some story-page ad revenue. These are different transactions—not interchangeable licensing offers—and public descriptions do not reveal every current contract term.
How the programs differ
The most useful comparison is not which platform has the largest reported reach. It is what each program pays for, where readers consume the content, and what commercial relationship the publisher retains. The public descriptions point to three distinct models, plus a historical comparator:
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
| Program | What the public source describes | Reader destination | Scope and evidence limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google News Showcase | Google says it pays participating publishers monthly fees for curation and, in some cases, access to selected paywalled articles. Google says the fee is not pay-per-click; traffic and new subscribers are additional to it. | Branded panels appear in Google News and Discover and can direct readers to the publisher’s site. | Google reported more than 2,300 publications in 22 countries as of June 2023. That is a company-reported historical figure, not a current verified count. Public descriptions reviewed do not give a universal rate card or publisher-specific contract terms. |
| Apple News Partner Program | Apple says qualifying publishers may qualify for a 15% commission rate on qualifying in-app purchase subscriptions from day one. This is a subscription commission condition, not a monthly curation or licensing fee. | Publishers use an Apple News channel and a subscription app relationship, with Apple News publishing tools including Apple News Format. | Eligibility depends on the publisher’s channel, format, app and subscription arrangements. Apple’s “may qualify” and “qualifying” language matters; the rate does not apply to all publisher revenue. |
| Microsoft Start | A 2025 South African Competition Commission report describes Microsoft licensing full articles and sharing story-page display-ad revenue with licensed publishers, but not interstitial-ad revenue. | According to that report, readers can read licensed full articles on Microsoft Start without being redirected to the publisher’s webpage. | The account is from a South African market inquiry, not a current global Microsoft offer sheet. Confirm current availability and terms for the relevant territory. |
| Facebook News | A 2022 UK government advice report described Facebook News as operating on principles similar to Showcase and having licensing deals with UK publishers at that time. | The cited report is a historical description; it does not establish current availability. | Do not treat this dated account as proof that Facebook News is currently open to publishers. |
Because these models pay for different things, a headline percentage, payment figure or audience count cannot be compared fairly without matching the territory, period, content rights, reader destination and revenue definition.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsWhat Google News Showcase pays for—and what it does not
Google describes Showcase as both an enhanced news experience and a global content-licensing program. Publishers curate panels that can add context through features such as timelines, bullet points and related stories, while retaining control over presentation and branding. Google says the product appears in Google News and Discover in selected countries and regions.
#1 Best Overall
- Attention-grabbing design meets the latest evolution of the Google Pixel Camera on the new Google Pixel 11 Pro; Gemini Intelligence helps manage details so you can live in the moment[1]; and the phone is available in two sizes
- Unlocked Android phone gives you the flexibility to change carriers and choose your own data plan: Works with Google Fi, Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and other major carriers[2]
- Stay informed without looking at your screen: When your phone is face down, Pixel HiLight gently alerts you with subtle glowing lights when your favorite contacts are calling or you’re talking with Gemini; exclusive to Google Pixel 11 Pro phones
- Magic Capture catches the moment as you live it: With just one tap, Pixel 11 Pro captures video and photos, and automatically edits, crops, and unblurs a curated collection, ready to share – and you get the memory of how it felt to be in the moment
- Two new cameras for more brilliant photos: A larger telephoto sensor captures 30% more light for clear, beautiful photos and videos, even in the dark[3]; Pixel’s longest zoom ever helps you capture details from impressive distances[4]
Google’s Canadian explanation describes the transaction more specifically: monthly fees compensate publishers for curation and, in some cases, limited access to selected articles that would otherwise be available only to subscribers. Google says Showcase is not a pay-per-click model; any traffic or new subscribers that panels bring are additional to the fee. Panels can send readers to the publisher’s site.
This is distinct from ordinary Google News eligibility. Google Publisher Center says content that meets its policies is automatically considered for Google News and related surfaces. Showcase is a separate paid curation and licensing arrangement, not a stated requirement for ordinary inclusion or a promised ranking boost. Google’s 2025 publication-page transition announcement said it did not change content eligibility for Google News surfaces.
Rank #2
- Google Pixel 10a is a durable, everyday phone with more[1]; snap brilliant photography on a simple, powerful camera, get 30+ hours out of a full charge[2], and do more with helpful AI like Gemini[3]
- Unlocked Android phone gives you the flexibility to change carriers and choose your own data plan; it works with Google Fi, Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and other major carriers
- Pixel 10a is sleek and durable, with a super smooth finish, scratch-resistant Corning Gorilla Glass 7i display, and IP68 water and dust protection[4]
- The Actua display with 3,000-nit peak brightness shows up clear as day, even in direct sunlight[5]
- Plan, create, and get more done with help from Gemini, your built-in AI assistant[3]; have it screen spam calls while you focus[6]; chat with Gemini to brainstorm your meal plan[7], or bring your ideas to life with Nano Banana[8]
Google’s public descriptions do not provide a standard rate card or disclose publisher-specific amounts, contract duration, renewal or termination provisions, reporting, or audience-data terms. A publisher should not infer its likely fee from participation totals or from general company investment announcements.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Apple’s program is tied to subscriptions, not a curation license
Apple’s News Partner Program is designed for subscription news publishers that provide content in Apple News Format. Apple says publishers that work with Apple News may qualify for a 15% commission rate on qualifying in-app purchase subscriptions from day one. The rate is conditional and applies to qualifying subscriptions through in-app purchase; it is not a flat payment for licensing articles and should not be read as a share of all publisher revenue.
Published eligibility conditions
- The publisher must maintain a robust Apple News channel in Australia, Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom, and publish all content to that channel in Apple News Format.
- Publishers based outside those regions that do not publish in Apple News Format must share content by RSS.
- The publisher’s app must primarily deliver original, professionally authored news, be available on the App Store, and offer auto-renewable subscriptions through Apple’s in-app purchase system.
- The Account Holder must agree to a separate addendum.
Apple’s published conditions do not establish that every publisher meeting a broad description will qualify for the rate. Confirm the current program terms and the specific publisher’s eligibility before modeling subscription revenue.
Microsoft Start: full articles and on-platform advertising
The South African Competition Commission’s 2025 report describes Microsoft Start as an aggregator available on the web and in an app, with integration into products including Edge’s start page and Windows news feeds. In that report’s account, licensed full articles are read within Microsoft Start rather than on the publisher’s site. Display ads appear around news and on story pages; the report says story-page ad revenue is shared with licensed publishers, while interstitial-ad revenue is not.
Rank #4
- Google Pixel 10 Pro is the ultimate Pixel experience, featuring advanced AI with Gemini, unbelievable camera quality, impeccable design in two sizes, and the next-gen Google Tensor G5 chip[1]
- Unlocked Android phone gives you the flexibility to change carriers and choose your own data plan[2]; it works - Google Fi, Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and other major carriers
- Get a head start on syncing your data before it even arrives: After you purchase your new Pixel, look for an email that explains how to transfer your photos, videos, passwords, and more in just a few quick steps[11]
- Pixel’s pro camera system makes everything look amazing, even in low light; capture more of the scene with advanced Google AI models, and bring out incredible details with 100x Pro Res Zoom, stunning 50 MP images, and super steady videos in 8K[10]
- Pixel 10 Pro is built with durable aluminum and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for scratch and drop resistance; the 6.3-inch Super Actua display with 3,300-nit peak brightness is easy on the eyes, even in direct sunlight[3,13,18]
This is a meaningful difference from Google’s described route back to publisher sites: on-platform reading changes the reader’s immediate destination. But the Commission report reflects a specific South African market inquiry and is not a current, globally applicable contract schedule. It does not establish the terms available to a particular publisher elsewhere or today.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Territory can change the negotiation context
Platform descriptions alone do not determine a publisher’s legal options. On 19 December 2025, Spain’s CNMC announced a settlement after investigating Google’s negotiations with Spanish press publishers and news agencies over inclusion in Google Search, Google News, Discover and News Showcase. The CNMC said Google’s commitments increase transparency and align negotiations with Spanish law. The commitments run for five years and may be renewed for another five. The regulator also cited concerns about possible unfair terms and economic dependence; the announcement describes a settlement and the regulator’s stated rationale, not a court finding of liability.
Best Value
- Google Pixel 7 is powered by Google Tensor G2; it’s faster, more efficient, and more secure, with the best photo and video quality yet on Pixel[1].Other camera description:Front,Rear.Bluetooth Version 5.2 with dual antennas for enhanced quality and connection.
- Unlocked Android 5G phone gives you the flexibility to change carriers and choose your own data plan[2]; works with Google Fi, Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and other major carriers
- Pixel’s Adaptive Battery can last over 24 hours; when Extreme Battery Saver is turned on, it can last up to 72 hours[3]
- The 6.3-inch Pixel 7 display is super sharp, with rich, vivid colors; it’s fast and responsive for smoother gaming, scrolling, and moving between apps[4]
- Google Pixel 7 has wide and ultrawide lenses with up to 8x Super Res Zoom[5]; and Cinematic Blur brings more drama to your videos
That outcome is specific to Spain and should not be generalized to publishers in other countries. The applicable rights regime and bargaining rules are part of the deal context, alongside the platform’s published product mechanics.
What a publisher should compare before signing
For a real decision, compare the exact offer and rights grant rather than the program name. These questions expose where the commercial value and risk sit:
- Payment basis: Is compensation a periodic curation or licensing fee, a subscription commission condition, an advertising revenue share, or another defined formula?
- Licensed value: Does the arrangement cover a curated panel, full articles, selected paywalled access, or transactions made through a subscription app?
- Reader destination: Does the panel send users to the publisher’s website or app, or does the reader remain on the platform?
- Audience relationship: What registration, subscription and audience data does the publisher receive, and what direct relationship can it maintain with readers?
- Editorial presentation: Which parts of branding, packaging and article presentation can the publisher control?
- Eligibility and geography: Is the publisher, its app, content format and territory eligible under the current offer and any relevant local rules?
- Measurement and reporting: What performance, payment and audience data will be reported, and how will the relevant revenue be calculated?
- Rights and term: What uses are permitted, and what are the duration, renewal, exclusivity and termination terms?
Public program pages and regulator reports do not settle those contract-specific questions. Obtain current country-specific terms and the actual offer for each candidate program before comparing expected payments or committing rights.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
