iPhonefreak width="190"

The Wired Magazine app for the iPad has returned with the July issue and some changes. First and foremost, the app itself is now free to download. But before everyone begins cheering — the full issue of the magazine still comes with a purchase price which is done by way of an in-app purchase. Of course, the silver lining in that comes in regards to the price, its now less expensive as compared to the June issue. In fact, its a dollar cheaper which means you can purchase the issue for $3.99.

That aside though, the app is also a much smaller download this month coming in at 5.5MB. But that is because the full issues still need to be downloaded after you install the app on your iPad. Those who purchased the June issue (with Toy Story 3) will still have full access to that issue. And that will be seen when you launch the app.

After launch you are presented with the cover of the issue with the date below as well as links for either Purchased and Download or $3.99 and Buy.

In thinking this does make sense, after all I am not sure I want to keep the full issue every month on my iPad because it will only take up space. But at the same time, I am happy to see that I can still download old issues and read them later. Plus, you can always skip an issue and then download it later as a back issue should you decide not to purchase immediately.

Otherwise, the app is also noted as having a free preview (hint: after the app is launched, scroll to the left and look for the page labeled “iPad Edition Free Preview”) which includes selected full articles. In this case the articles appear to have come from both the June and July issues.

In the end, I am thinking the changes made are good overall. Though I would still like to see a slightly lower purchase price, or an option to subscribe for a year like I would with the print copy.

With that, hit the link below to download and check out the app for yourself…

[Wired Magazine (App Store link)]