Serif makes Affinity iPad apps free amid sudden changes and upcoming major announcement
Serif has unexpectedly made all of its Affinity iPad apps — including Affinity Designer, Affinity Photo, and Affinity Publisher —free to claim, with what appears to be a lifetime license. This abrupt giveaway is not an extended trial, but permanent access for those who act quickly.
Following Serif’s acquisition by Canva on March 26, 2024, the Affinity product line has undergone a wave of unannounced changes. The Serif YouTube channel and plug-in store have both closed. Users can no longer buy a universal license, and the Affinity forums will go read-only starting October 6. The main website has also dropped all references and download options for the Affinity app suite, deepening public concern about ongoing support and future updates.
The cuts further extend to the removal of Affinity’s macOS apps from the Apple App Store, making it impossible for new or returning users to download or purchase them. In the midst of these developments, Serif is promoting a significant announcement set for October 30 described as “True creative freedom”, though no specific details have been provided.
While some anticipate a revamped Affinity suite with potential AI features and possible adoption of a subscription or token-based pricing model, dropping the lifetime license model, this remains speculation until the official reveal.
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- Paid • Proprietary
Related news
External links
- Creative Freedom Is ComingAffinity • Official source
- All Affinity apps are now free for the iPad - for nowAppleInsider
- Affinity apps for iPad now free, but there may be a catch9to5Mac
- Affinity Photo, Designer, and Publisher Are All Free for iPadHow-To Geek
Comments
I've been using Serif and their software for what feels like could be nearly a decade! When they were bought out by Canva I was a little skeptical that their pricing model would change (no subscription pricing) and it didn't change at all to any degree that would be considered a detriment. They did seem to jump to new paid versions/updates faster, but sometimes that's how it goes. Companies need money to survive and I was always happy to give them more every now and then to keep them going, since they weren't making me pay $100+ every year for 3 pieces of software (and all the free extras). Can't wait to see what they've got coming!! :D Exciting!
Unless they are open sourcing the apps, Yuck Fou Canva!