The Economist Group announced the global launch of its flagship title, The Economist, on two new apps - The Economist for iPhone and The Economist for iPad - available now on the App Store.

The free apps include a weekly sample of must-read articles chosen by the editor. The full issue of The Economist is available through In App Purchase each week beginning Thursday evenings.

Digital and print subscribers can receive full and unrestricted access to The Economist on iPad, iPhone and iPod touch as well as The Economist online by simply using their print or online subscription credentials.

Once downloaded, each issue of The Economist is stored on the user's device, making it possible to read the newspaper in full without an internet connection.

'We have reformatted the newspaper to make the most of iPad, iPhone and iPod touch while retaining the familiar feel of The Economist, with all the articles, charts, maps and images from each week's print edition. And we have integrated our audio edition, read by professional newscasters, for easy switching between reading and listening,' stated John Micklethwait, editor-in-chief of The Economist.

'We have a growing print circulation of 1.5m. We expect to reach similar numbers with our digital offerings in a relatively short period of time. iPads and iPhones are perfect for reading and listening to The Economist, and we see a great future for our ever-growing readership in all media,' added Oscar Grut, managing director, digital editions.

'We have created elegant apps that capture the reading experience our readers enjoy so much in print, free from distractions. Our apps are also a great way for new readers to sample The Economist, with a number of free articles each week selected by the editor. We hope many of those new readers will go on to subscribe to the full weekly edition.'-TradeArabia News Service