New Republic App Reviews

Definitely living up to its tradition, TNR is supreme in terms of essay driven print journalism. This magazine is well worth the price. It's beautiful to use and the content is excellent.

It's surprising that the cofounder of Facebook can't make a functional app for his new magazine. I'm a TNR subscriber and tried logging in repeatedly but the app crashes every time. So I downloaded the trial issue to see if a functional version would be potentially a worthy print replacement, and while it seems nice it is basically just a PDF with no zoom capability. Clearly, no effort went into this app at all.

What? No landscape orientation?... Just downloaded this app to find out it loads and apparently stays in portrait mode on the iPad. Can't find a way to configure it for landscape mode... That said, I have no further use for it. In fact, in my opinion any iPad app that is released without landscape orientation capability is an app that is still in beta, and is not ready for release.

Ok, but I cannot read it without glasses because the font size is not adjustable. If iPad is going to compete as an e-reader, font size adjustment and orientation adjustment need to be standard.

Halting navigation, random page sizes, horsey typography. Let me just read, but on the Mini text is too small. Hint: check out The Economist app.

New issues don't appear right away. You have to sign out and sign in. Subscriber services respond to emails very slowly, if at all.

The app is a great improvement. One of the nicer magazine apps

Authentication broken. This is an expensive paid subscription — customer support organization says they can do nothing and asks that subscribers not contact them. Chris Hughes seems out to prove that he can neither run a publication nor an internet website

I like to read at home and in that case the new version is as good as any other mag I have seen and better than most. Other reviewers have noted that the issue cannot be downloaded. If this is true it really limits my ability to read anywhere else since I read on a first generation IPad with only WI-FI connectivity. Have to find something else in a car, on the lam, in a office waiting for exam, on a plane, in a boat, riding on an elevator, guess I'll have to wait 'til later

How difficult can it be these days to make authentication work? I know my username, email address, and password. I can login via the web but these pieces of info fail me when I use the app. I will end my subscription after many years because life is short and other mags have figured this step out. A sure sign to me that TNR is headed to the digital dustbin.

No access to previous digital purchases. Worse interface than the previous version and no link to the daily content. 3 steps back and no steps forward.....continuing a tradition of poor decision making at TNR that has lasted many years. The good ole days of the TNR are fading and the current brand is in the hands of decision-makers with bush-era stupidity..... This boat is taking on water fast and the band is playing on the deck.... Goodbye old friend.....

Can't login to app with same credentials that work on the website. Both FAQs and "forgot password?" are dead links. Inexcusable. Awful. Won't re-up my subscription, despite beat content. Bad job, NR.

The new app is potentially just great - IF a few major gaps are addressed soon! But firstly: The app itself in its immediate design and user interface experience is just gorgeous, this part is well done! Secondly, now, there are major gaps: i) why did it take personal intervention with the customer service to get the new app logging on with a running account from last year valid until this coming fall? from other reports, this doesn't seem the only case - a professional and at that so much hyped renewal must avoid such screw-ups at all costs. ii) Why are older issues before the re-launch issue of Feb 11 not available any more? Before the relaunch one could also get print-layout PDF versions of old issues, but they seem to have vanished from the website as well - altogether this is a major bug, as I used the old issues often for reference! iii) there is no interaction with the iOS-wide "define"-dictionary functionality - a must for high-level journals! Another "must not happen at a relaunch of this magnitude" - this should have been seen and fixed before release already - was there no real-world beta-testing process used? iv) no bookmarking! really?? v) no export of articles, like saving into instapaper! really?? vi) although font size is fine for my younger eyes - I second many other requests: Adaption for weaker eyes is again a glaring "Must not fail at start" omission! Adaptable font sizes should have been there from the beginning. Finally, what makes these omission i) - vi) really that glaring, is this: the old app had ALL of these functions very well solved and implemented!! Does generating am admittedly gorgeous new interface and design really justify dumping almost ALL of the old advanced functionality, especially since this largely INDEPENDENT from design and user interface? I will move back to five stars, if these points are implemented - given the old app having all of them, this can't be THAT difficult ...

This version is very usable. The complaints are minor and easily fixed. The content is excellent so far. Keep up the good work. Happy to have a good New Republic back.

When iPads came out four years ago, The New Republic app was a dazzling innovative online reader. Only to squander what advantages it had. Now it won't even display the trial issue correctly, or let .a regular subscriber download an issue without logging in repeatedly. Oh what a noble effort is here overthrown! Time for some experimentation at TNR.

I USED TO love this magazine. Great format, great writing. BUT I can not get my latest issue, can not sign in and can not even figure out how to report. But I did just give up some $ for renewal recently! What a waste! The two states are based on the PAST!

App needs landscape for higher rating.

Unfortunately the New Republic will not provide you with access to the New Republic on the web if you subscribe through iTunes. It makes no sense but I imagine it has to do with the 30%cut that Apple takes. So now I still can't access the New Republic blogs and daily updates even though I've just spent $35. Pretty outrageous.

Appears to be broken in iOS8. Can't view previously downloaded issues or download any others.

There is no way to download a new issue. I would like to know how to get my money back for this app.

I've got subscriptions to a number of magazines through Newsstand, but the New Republic is the one that has the most trouble downloading. I'll start downloading an issue, it will stop half-way through. If I tap Resume, the download might continue, or it might start again from the beginning. I haven't been able to download any of the last three issues, and for previous issues, it was pretty much random whether or not it works.

I had the same experience as Bafster--TERRIBLE customer service, no one could tell me how to access the iPad version. I'm canceling my subscription to the digital version today.

Can only see it in portrait mode and the font is much to small for these tired old eyes.

You would think the facebook prince owner who is killing this bastion of liberal thought could at least get digital right. This app crashes like crazy. GFYS Chris

the app needs an upgrade in terms of user friendliness; i subscribed to read michael kinsley who appears only occasionally

Good content, but functionality is very poor. Not ready for prime time.

With recent new design and editor it is utterly gorgeous on my new iPad. I like the extras-- pix captions, other broadening materials

Really like the new look but it I do not like that it will not flip to landscape.

There are major problems with the app on the ipad. Scrolling down through an article frequently results in the balance of an article dissapearing. scrolling down also frequently causes the app to jump to another article. It is almost impossible to read an article completely. Interestingly, on the N.R. website, the 'contact us' link is also disabled. I was hoping for a lot more with Chris Hughes at the helm.

Doesn't rotate to landscape. Print too small and no way to change it (as, e.g., with the NYTimes). Double column too dense. Looks like The New Yorker app, but that app, with its larger font and single column, is more readable--and it permits either portrait or landscape.

Well done, easy to navigate. And thee articles are thoughtful and timely

App is basically useless. It doesn't let you sign in with your subscription info. Contacted support and was told they knew about the problem and we're working on fixing it, that was two months ago. Don't bother with this app it just frustrates you.

Broken app. Cannot log in using valid credentials.

Not that I've used a lot of online magazine apps, but compared to the ones I have used this one is satisfactory. It loads quickly, is relatively stable and once on gets the hang of navigating is easy to use. Doesn't try to get fancy or do anything the paper copy doesn't. Much like reading a straightforward PDF file. I'm comparing it chiefly to the Washington Post app which is so full of bells and whistles hat it takes forever to load when on the road to the point that I rarely have the patience to wait for it. It probably could use improved access to the forums and comment section, but since most of what appears in these realms is cantankerous bloviating anyway that isn't such a loss.

Like the other reviewers who are NR subscribers, I have found it impossible to open & use the app on my iPad. Very frustrating.

Wish there were a zero stars option. This app embeds in ipad/iPhone and shows up everywhere in iOS system but is unusable as an actual app. Stories can't be read more downloaded. Complete issues in PDF form are unavailable. No clear cayenne to print subscription.

The only magazine app that refuses to recognize my print subscription. I can't say one way or another if it actually works since it won't allow me access. TNR customer service is equally useless. I'd give this zero stars if I could.

Unable to access TNR paid subscription. Current subscribers beware until this is fixed.

As other mags are improving their already solid app TNR seems to be going in the other direction. It's almost difficult to communicate just how bad this app is. Available issues are MONTHS out of date, slow to load and have LESS content than is available on the website for free. I contacted support by email. The took TWO WEEKS to respond with an email that they would try and look into these issues. Terrible app. Terrible support.

where is it???????

I had a paper subscription and last week spoke with customer support to create an account on my iPad TNR app. Worked great. Then on Saturday, the log in in the iPad app would no longer work. I contacted TNR and they said that all was correct because the iPad app requires an additional subscription. Their own customer support said otherwise and helped me activate it. No long a subscriber to this mess.

The app will not allow me to sign in. The TNR site recognizes my password, but this app does not, so I can't get any issues. I've called and written to customer service, and they assure me that sometime in the future they might be able to fix it. In the meantime, I should be aware they they, too, are concerned. Cold comfort.

TNR has just raised the bar in writing and reporting.

Those readers who habitually carry on a conversation with whom ever they're reading, underlining particular passages, filling the margins with observations, affirmations, questions and counter-arguments will find the new New Republic repellant. It is simply impossible to do any of these things. The new format, like the New Yorker's new format, is designed for the passive reader who has nothing nothing nothing to say to or about the author she is reading (if that's the right word). The readers with pencils in their mouths will flee. Will the New Republic and the New Yorker find the passive readers they desire?

I know that many of my fellow readers, based on some of the reviews have had some problems with the app. Me? I haven't had any problems whatsoever. The app seems to update as soon as a new issue is available. I simply haven't had any problems with it. I hope any problems that others have experienced have been cleaned up.

I've been subscribing to the New Republic through this app for a couple years now, but the last 2 issues haven't been able to download. I've tried everything - stopping and restarting my subscription, deleting and reinstalling the app, etc. - but nothing seems to work. It's ironic that soon after the New Republic announced a new digital push, the iPad app ceased to work... I hope they fix this issue soon!

Does not exploit the strengths of the format

perhaps I am not sufficiently demanding--or perhaps some problems have been fixed--but I didn't experience any difficulties.

In a word, terrible. Library does not populate new issues. Store does not recognize a subscriber. It " authenticates" for hours and never does authenticate. Does not rotate.

The app will not let me sign in. I can sign in on the website, but when using the same, credentials, I cannot sign in through the app.

I used to enjoy reading TNR on my iPad but no longer. Several issues ago the format changed and the type is so small I need a magnifying glass. Plus the print version arrives sooner.

Open the app for the first time in a bit. No magazines. Okay, restore purchases, and only November shows up. Shouldn't December be out by now? Try to sign in to my account, and get an auth error. Try to hit Forgot my password, get a 404. Many links seem to only bring up the new homepage or 404s. Did the web team do a site redesign without telling the app team? Get it together guys.

Can't even read the magazine, which is pretty much the point of a magazine app.

App never worked without having to reinstall with each use, then Hughes destroyed this once excellent magazine. I cancelled.

Frequent complaints to support have led to acknowledgement that there is a problem, but no action. How about a universal announcement as to when we can expect a fix?

First you cancel issues and nothing is released about reimbursement. Now no access through the app. What a waste.

It would be nice if I could read The New Republic, but I can not even log-in using my credentials that i have set up. One day maybe 😳

Updated, December 2016: For the last several months the app has been updating content in a timely, reliable way. So: up from my previous 1 star because the app is functional, and I am cautiously optimistic that it will remain functional. But no more than 3 stars because, well, I'm still cautious, and because being functional is a low bar. -- Updated, January 2016: Still no joy about downloading new content. Does anyone connected with TNR care? BTW, my subscription ends in a few months, and I won't renew if this app is still broken. -- The latest: new content (new issue of magazine) won't download, even a couple of weeks after I received the print version, even when I sign out of the app and sign back in. This app has been a mess for years. New management: now that you have broken stuff, how about fixing some stuff--starting with this app?

Very glitzy, lots of confusing choices, links to old outdated articles. Have to search for the current magazine. Too cute for it's own good. Makes a chore out of simply reading the magazine. Adding insult to injury the new "improved" version won't load the magazine. Can't sign in. Customer service says they are having problems, but no acknowledgement on their website. The new design may be nice but the app and website are broken. As another review put it, HELP!!!!! Feb 2 update: can sign into website but not iPad app. Who designed this mess? Feb 9 update. New version still can't sign in with this bug ridden app!!! Feb 16 finally working if you use email address instead of user name on sign in. Getting used to app. Would be better for us seniors if you could enlarge the font-- hopefully will change in next iteration. Amazed that a so-called program guru (Hughes) would allow such a poorly designed app to be released. March 18: Not bad. Smallish unadjustable print. Hard for my elderly eyes. If no change I won't renew. Similar to The New Yorker app--but less readable, for me. Old review from a few years ago. Unfortunately little change still very small fonts almost unreadable.....glad there is a New Republic but wish they'd do something with this app

Fix it TNR. All previously downloaded issues are not available to read.

Update: still badly broken after all this time. I gave up for a while, tried again, reset password, and everything they asked, and it's still broken. I've been a print subscriber since 1974. I can sign in to the iPad app for a few issues, then it won't let me sign in. This has happened three or four times. I can sign in to the website, but not the app, even after multiple password updates. App is very broken.

I like the app in theory and in design. It's easy enough to navigate and has some lovely features but I can't download new issues at all. The cover image for the app updates but nothing else does. As a digital only subscriber this is a royal pain. For the love of everything fix this.

Simply stated, does not work

There are problems in that issues won’t download into App. Numerous tries to contact customer service have not solved issues. This App. is a severe disappointment.

Com’on guys. You can’t change the font. You’d get more stars if you could do just that. Old eyes can’t read that small print. Still rag content is great, but very very difficult to read.

Terrible

Terrible so far.

I cannot access recent issues that I've paid for and have not received any meaningful support from the digital subscription support group. Need I say more.

It's been down, slow, and non-responsive or variably operational. Other mag apps work all the time... why is TNR so poorly functioning? And, when you email or call they apologize but nothing substantial happens. I love this magazine but find I just have to hit a lucky streak to get to read an issue... usually it's weeks later.

Ongoing - don't waste time with worst magazine app around pity print is so good.Can't download issues on iPad Air running iOS 8.02 I get an error code. Please fix or refund this has been ongoing for two months plus.

Why can't the personnel managing the digital version of this mag get it right?! I agree with all the other dismal reviews regarding having to sign in, sign in again, delete and re-install the app, sign in again, etc. I won't be renewing.

Always loved TNR but this app just doesn't cut it. The website is better. Please upgrade the app.

Most “recent” issue available is now several months old.

I love TNR's content, but the app stinks. The app's biggest problem is that it doesn't allow me to download the newest issue until months after the paper magazine hits my mailbox. I have tried refreshing the app and restoring my purchases to no avail. The app still only shows the July issue as the most recent. For a magazine that supposedly let the majority of its staff walk out because it was going to focus on digital content, this app's failure should be a complete embarrassment. On the positive side, the issues I am able to see work great. The digital magazine is laid out well and functions smoothly. In the future TNR should work to incorporate more interactive features to enrich the user experience. At this point, however, I'd just like them to fix the app's most basic functions.

You can't download new issues; It's several months behind now.

App does not work in iOS 8. Cannot read any of my prior purchases. Please fix ASAP!!!!!

The magazine is 95% great, and definitely worth the read. However, the app is a complete disaster, which should shame any developers on the magazine. Delays, check. Slow, check. Deletes the same issue I have downloaded over three times every time I restart the app, check.The last two weeks, the only way I can read the magazine is to delete the app, and redownload it every time I want to read one article. Maybe it's a first world issue, but it is a shame that the worth of the magazine isn't getting spread because people do not have as much patience as others, and probably give up halfway.

The app has been unable to download new content since the March 2015 reorg. Nobody is maintaining the app. Email to info refers you to their fulfillment service which can't help with ITunes issues. It appears TNR has abandoned its iPad only subscribers.

I tried to download the latest issue, and got "Error." I tried purchasing a one month subscription and got "Error."

Thought it was my iPad giving me the problem. Now I see that everyone is having the same problems downloading issues. Issues haven't been updated for months. Shame. They'd better fix this or they're gonna loose subscribers.

Every time a new issue arrives, app won't let me download even though I'm paid subscriber. I have to delete app and install every 2 weeks. Please fix. My renewal is coming up and right now I'm not re-upping.

I just don't get it....doesn't anyone at NR care about this issue? They keep sending me emails to try the app in 48 hours. It's now been three weeks or more since I first contacted them. Unbelievable.

Just downloaded it so can’t speak to the issue lag problem. But I use a keyboard case for the iPad, optimized for landscape. It’s a small inconvenience but since you asked...

Can't download anything. Who wrote the software? Call up support and they said the print version wasn't out yet so the online version wasn't available. A lie, since I also get the print version. Does the management of this magazine care about its paying subscribers?

Maybe I'm just lucky, but the app works just fine for me. Downloading issues, navigating, and reading content all work fine. I'm reading on a third generation iPad because I don't like the experience of reading magazines on an iPhone. Don't know if that makes a difference as to how the app functions. I'm a little surprised to see only 12 reviews. Hope that doesn't correlate to the number of subscribers!