“Since the App Store was first launched 5 years ago (and the Mac App Store in 2011) there has been a continuous thread of discussion asking Apple to provide a direct mechanism for upgrade pricing for apps,” David Smith blogs. “This would allow developers to charge existing customers for access to a major update of their software. Apple has thus far been entirely silent on this, though their silence has spoken volumes.”
“This morning’s launch of Logic Pro X seems to settle the matter,” Smith writes. “Logic Pro X is a Major (with a capital M) update to their professional audio editing suite. It appears to represent a significant investment in both time and resources. So how is it being sold, especially to people who already paid $200 for the previous version (Logic Pro 9)? It is a separate app download with a full cost purchase. No upgrades, no introductory pricing, just straight forward sale.”
Smith writes, “I’d say that this is the best indication of Apple’s intentions and expectations for the App Stores going forward. I wouldn’t expect anything like upgrade pricing to appear in the Stores.”
Read more in the full article here.
Related articles:
The Loop reviews Apple’s new Logic Pro X: The same professional-level features plus new high-end abilities – July 16, 2013
Apple unveils Logic Pro X with modern new interface designed for pros – July 16, 2013
If the pricing is that low like 200 bucks for an app like this one, there is no need for an upgrade pricing. See what the competition costs! I gladly pay since I know that all minor updates for the upcoming two or four years will be free.
It is a professional software and a lot of people use it to make their living, so that should be affordable for them. If you find it too expensive, stay with version 9, it has not stopped working.
And same thing apparently applies to Mainstage 3. Whoever bought it yesterday for $30 has paid for version 2.2.2, and today, if they wanted version 3, it will cost them another $30.
Although, knowing Apple, if you call them, they will likely reverse yesterday’s transaction and let you buy the new version.
Do any of the other app stores offer upgrade pricing?
With relatively low cost $200 pro apps, paying full price for upgrades is better than Adobe’s perpetual monthly fees.
… or even the old programmes of discounted upgrade pricing, with various levels of discount, depending on which previous version one is upgrading from.
Logic Pro used to be $1,000, going down to $500 with version 8. Upgrade pricing at the time was more than the regular full price of full Logic Pro X today.
I have no doubt that, through App Store distribution, Logic Pro (first 9, then X) will generate more annual revenue at $200 than the whole Studio bundle of before did at $500 (or even $1,000 before that).
Yes! I was shocked to hear the “tech press” reporting outrage over the “no upgrade” pricing.
The prices are less than typically paid for pro app “upgrades”. I, for one, am a big fan of the App store, no serial number no moved or restored HD contents with apps that no longer function. all at a price at or below what we were paying for the old “upgrade” system.
Though perhaps we should examine that carefully. It just may be, like many things apple, the “customer outrage” is principally in the minds of the “tech press” and bloggers.
I bought immediately. It’s a bargain, especially compared to Adobe’s greedy pricing schemes.
And, thankfully, none of your cranky readers has yet come up with some devious attempt to blame it on President Obama.
…ADOBE
Exactly, I wish Photoshop and Illustrator were $200 a pop. If they were I would buy all the major updates, but at four times that each there is no way.
Plus I don’t want Adobe’s subscription pricing either.
Its Obama’s Fault:)/s
Well, looks like no Logic Pro X for me.
If you can’t afford $200 for a professional tool, you’re not a professional. You’re a tool.
Okay, not a tool, actually just a cheapskate. But the joke doesn’t work with “cheapskate.” Sorry.
I pity da fool who can’t afford a professional tool!
I don’t even need it and I am having a tough time stopping myself buying it.
Rave review here: http://www.macworld.co.uk/mac-creative/reviews/?reviewid=3457772&pn=2 “Apple Logic Pro X review: a powerhouse update to Apple’s audio editor” . Lots of details from pro user reviewer.
This, Final Cut and the Mac Pro augur well for keeping media professionals on the Mac. Waiting for an updated Aperture…
Seems like a good way to sell upgrades would be to make it an in-app purchase, if the Mac App Store supports in-app purchases.
At $200 for a piece of software that used to be a good value at $1000, this is upgrade pricing. And no time wasted goofing around with proof of previously purchased version numbers or cross-grades from other software packages. Just clean, simple and worth it.
I bought it 50 minutes after the official release. I must say it’s a real bargain.
The price? Its the same if you had version 9 and aquired an update. So there’s no reason to complain. Plus ALL updates will be free as always…
Look what they did with OSX $30? For christ sake they are changing things people. There’s no real competition with them.
– It’s a lot faster (even in my laptop 2gb ram).
– Solid.
– Stable.
– New plugins.
– New midi plugins.
– New macro controls (to an entire folder for instance so you don’t have to change every plugin to change overall sound).
– Track stacks.
– Track summing.
– Pitch control (like melodyne but not to poly stuff).
– Amazing library, new 50 GB of fresh and contemporary top notch content (NEW content not the previous “Jampack’s oldies stuff”)
– No crap ilocks (see what happened with Protools 11 this last month after 1 hour they released the new version. LOOL).
– No serial number.
– Total organised after installed in system Library.
– Beautiful.
– It’s Apple.
My rate? 0/10 I give it 100.
As always, Apple is in the frontline. Think smart, think Apple!
Free introduction videos just open the page and click play:
http://www.macprovideo.com/tutorial/logic-pro-100-whats-new-in-logic-pro-x
I admit that I’m an Apple fan boy, but there is way to much kool aid being swallowed here. I paid the 200 bucks for Logic Pro 9. Now you want me to pay another 200 bucks for an upgrade. FU!
Please feel free to read our full review of Logic Pro X (warning! it is a thesis): http://en.audiofanzine.com/general-sequencer/apple/logic-pro-x/editorial/reviews/the-case-against-x.html
Um, I did see someone mention it, but I was thrilled at the price point. I paid $499.00 for the Academic version of the Logic Pro 7 bundle. At that point, the full version was a grand. I have been upgrading since. $199.00 is totally reasonable, and I am a poor musician. Final Cut, Logic and Blender (thankfully free) are vital to my music and online presence as a musician.