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The WSJ Has an iPad but Apple Is Keeping a 'Padlock and Key' on It (Report)

The paper reportedly has access to a unit for testing purposes only

Mar 4, 2010 11:28 GMT  ·  By
iPad used with keyboard (hands on unit displayed at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in January)
   iPad used with keyboard (hands on unit displayed at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in January)

Media mogul Rupert Murdoch has confirmed that The Wall Street Journal is developing an iPad application, which it is regularly testing on a pre-release model of the iPad. Not surprisingly, Apple is keeping a close eye on the device, checking it on a daily basis, according to a report by AppleInsider.

During a speech in New York on Tuesday, Murdoch confirmed that his News Corp. publication would be offered on Apple's upcoming iPad, the report reveals. The exec didn't refrain himself from giving insight into Apple's secretive practices, the report adds, citing a piece by the WSJ itself. While the paper had had access to a pre-release iPad, it had been under close observation by Apple, Murdoch revealed.

"In fact, we've been allowed to work on one, and it's under padlock and key. The key is turned by Apple every night," Murdoch was quoted as saying. "But we will be on that with The Wall Street Journal."

Apple and the WSJ already have a history, as far as the new iPad is concerned. During a meeting with WSJ staff, Steve Jobs reportedly got very upset as editor Alan Murray posted to Twitter from the device when the Apple co-founder was pitching its e-reader capabilities. Following the incident, Jobs allegedly became "furious" and had the editor delete the post. Murray was later contacted on the matter, although he was only willing to say, "Apple's general paranoia about news coverage is truly extraordinary," not confirming the incident.

The New York Times is also courted by Apple, and vice versa, through an upcoming application set to deliver fresh content to future iPad owners and service subscribers. The Associated press is just as eager to have its content distributed on e-reading-capable devices. Earlier this month, the AP announced plans to launch an iPad subscription app, via a strategic business unit aimed at seeking and developing new business opportunities for its multimedia news. Called the AP Gateway, the unit will facilitate the development of fresh news for multiple platforms, including e-readers like Apple’s iPad.