Since the release of iOS 17.4 in March, iPhone users have been treated to a host of exciting new features, including Podcast transcripts and additional settings for Stolen Device Protection. However, it was back in September with the launch of iOS 17 that Apple introduced a particularly enjoyable addition to the News app: crossword puzzles.
While crossword puzzles are undoubtedly entertaining, they also offer a myriad of cognitive benefits, such as expanding vocabulary and enhancing critical thinking skills, as demonstrated in a study published in the Archives of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine.
To dive into crossword puzzles within the News app, you’ll need an Apple News Plus subscription, priced at $13 per month. Fortunately, Apple offers a one-month free trial of Apple News Plus, and those purchasing an iPhone, iPad, or Mac can enjoy a complimentary three-month subscription. Alternatively, Apple One Premier, priced at $38 per month, includes Apple News Plus along with other premium services like Apple TV Plus and Apple Arcade.
Here’s how to access and play crossword puzzles in the Apple News app:
- Open the Apple News app.
- Tap “Following” in the bottom menu.
- Select “Puzzles.“
From the Puzzles section, you’ll discover the latest crossword puzzles for the week. Additionally, you can explore options for Crossword and Crossword Mini, which offer smaller puzzles presented in a 5×5 grid. Simply tap your preferred option to access the latest puzzles.
You can also find crossword puzzles by navigating to Apple News > Today and scrolling down until you encounter “Latest Puzzles,” though this option may require some scrolling.
When it comes to solving puzzles, you have two viewing options: grid view and list view. Grid view presents the traditional crossword layout, allowing you to tap on squares to reveal clues below the puzzle. Alternatively, list view provides a list of clues and answer lengths, allowing for a different solving experience.
With two new puzzles—regular and mini—released daily, as well as an archive of past puzzles dating back to June 2023, there’s no shortage of brain-teasing entertainment awaiting you in the Apple News app.
