Just in time for those unwrapping a shiny new Apple iPad this holiday season, Rogers-published Maclean’s magazine has released its application for the platform.



The app, which is first out of the gate on the iPad for Rogers Publishing was developed with New York-based interactive agency Built by the Factory and soft launches with Maclean’s annual “Newsmakers” issue.

Content on the application will feature an enhanced version of the print magazine, including video, a real-time letters feedback page, links to social media and bonus photo galleries, says Maclean’s deputy publisher Julie Osborne. But what will be different on the digital version are the advertisers inside.

Rogers bought the first contract on the app, an eight-week deal for the preview version of each issue beginning in January. “The first real issue will include ownership of the preview and ad pages in the magazine,” says Osborne. “There are a lot of advertisers who are innovative and keen to be involved. It may not be for everyone but there is a lot of excitement around the device.”

The Maclean’s iPad application is free to download and each issue will cost $2.99 in the iTunes app store, a price Osborne says was decided on based on the market and cost of production. “We would like the reader to get Maclean’s where and how they like it,” she says. “I think there will be a cannibalization of the newsstand in the short term from the app, but I firmly believe this is going to make the pie bigger.”