The delivery method of content is irrelevant. Paid newspaper, free newspaper, paid app, free app - it doesn't matter. It is the way the content is used that determines if it is editorial, artistic, or commercial.

Editorial usage in the way you are speaking of it only applies if you hold the copyright to the image. If someone else holds the copyright, then you must obtain permission from them to use a photo for editorial (or any other type) usage.

Even if a publication, such as a newspaper or magazine, is not free and must be purchased to obtain a copy that doesn't make all of the content commercial. Any advertisements contained in the publication are covered under the rules of commercial usage, but the editorial and artistic content is not.

For commercial usage, even if you hold the copyright you must also obtain permission from any recognizable individual in the photo, the holder of any recognizable trademark in the photo, or the owner of any other type of protected intellectual property depicted in the photograph, such as an outdoor sculpture or a building with a unique design.