All Affinity Apps Now Available for Free on iPad
In a surprising turn of events, Affinity, the popular suite of creative applications, has temporarily made all its iPad versions available for free. This includes widely used tools like Affinity Photo, Affinity Publisher, and Affinity Designer. With a significant announcement anticipated on October 30, users are encouraged to seize this opportunity quickly.
The shift in Affinity's pricing strategy comes on the heels of Canva's acquisition of Serif, the parent company of Affinity, in March 2024. Following this acquisition, Serif initiated an extended free trial across its app suite, but this new offer for iPad apps appears to be a more permanent fixture—although some speculate it could be an error.
What’s Included in the Free Offer?
Currently, users can download the following Affinity apps from the App Store for iPad without any charge:
To claim these apps for free, follow these steps:
- Download the selected apps from the App Store on your iPad.
- Once installed, tap on Buy Now.
- Confirm the purchase, which is marked as $0.
- Register the app with your Affinity account as prompted.
While the app initially appears as a free trial for seven days, the purchase price is currently set to zero, meaning once registered, they are yours to keep indefinitely.
Understanding the Context of This Offer
Affinity's suite of apps is widely praised for their robust features and user-friendly interfaces, often considered viable alternatives to Adobe’s offerings. The unexpected price drop has raised eyebrows and led to discussions about the implications of Canva's ownership. Users are wary of potential changes that may affect the functionality or availability of these applications in the future.
What Does This Mean for Current Users?
For existing users of Affinity applications on platforms other than iPad, there are still concerns. The Mac versions remain at full price, and while the temporary free offer is enticing, it raises questions about future updates and support:
- Will existing licenses remain valid after the free offer ends?
- Are there plans to unify the pricing structure across platforms?
- How will Canva’s influence affect future app development?
Future of Affinity Apps: What to Expect
With the big announcement slated for October 30, the community is abuzz with speculation. Affinity has teased "true creative freedom," but details are scarce. What could this mean for users? Some possibilities include:
- A shift to a subscription model akin to Adobe’s.
- New features or improvements to existing apps.
- Changes in licensing or distribution methods.
In the meantime, the current free offer provides a unique window for creative professionals and enthusiasts alike to explore these high-caliber tools without financial commitment.
Not All Good News: Concerns Post-Acquisition
Despite the excitement surrounding the free offer, there are troubling signs for the future of Affinity. Following the acquisition by Canva, some changes have raised red flags:
- Closure of the Serif YouTube channel, limiting access to tutorials and community engagement.
- Shutdown of the plug-in store, previously a valuable resource for enhancing app functionality.
- Transition to read-only forums, reducing user support and community interaction.
Additionally, the absence of a universal license purchase option suggests a tightening of accessibility for users who prefer broader functionality across devices.
Conclusions on the Current Offer
The current free access to Affinity apps on iPad is a remarkable opportunity for both new and established users. While the offer is enticing, it is accompanied by a cloud of uncertainty regarding the future of the software under Canva’s management. A cautious approach is recommended: download the apps now, but stay informed about upcoming changes that may affect your usage.
For further insights on navigating Affinity’s offerings, check out this informative video:
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