Apple is also following along closely.

First, it was Crosswords, andnext up is Quartilesin iOS 17.5.

The latest attempt at attracting users and keeping them there is puzzle games.

Wordle on an iPhone

People really love puzzle games like Wordle.Nils Huenerfuerst / Unsplash

“Games like Wordle tap into our desire for a daily challenge and mental stimulation.

It’s a recipe for stagnation.

Since then, News+ has limped along.

Person playing sudoku with paper and pencil.

Sudoku is the crack of puzzle games.Richard Bell / Unsplash

And once you catch somebody with a puzzle they connect with, they will probably stick around.

Can puzzle games save Apple’s News+?

Person doing a crossword on the train

Crosswords, the OG newspaper puzzle.Ross Sneddon / Unsplash