For MobileMe, “Apple’s Sales Web interface [currently] prominently displays a ‘now exclusively available online’ tagline,” MacNN reports. “The website also explicitly mentions the removal of boxed copies from Apple Stores, but not the elimination of a bundle option for online orders.”
MacNN reports, “Apple moreover appears to have removed any option of actually paying for MobileMe. Apple is believed to be converting MobileMe into a free service, one with greatly expanded functions.”
Read more in the full article here.
[Thanks to MacDailyNews Reader “Fred Mertz” for the heads up.]
Related articles:
Apple discontinues MobileMe retail boxes; preparing for free overhauled MobileMe? – February 24, 2011
Apple: North Carolina data center for iTunes and MobileMe, due in spring – February 23, 2011
Apple patent application details cloud-based virtual safe deposit box – February 19, 2011
Apple’s plans for new MobileMe include ambitious cloud computing features – February 16, 2011
Apple’s MobileMe to offer personal streaming service between all your computers and devices? – February 14, 2011
Apple exploring major MobileMe revamp; considering making it free – February 14, 2011
Steve Jobs: MobileMe to ‘get a lot better in 2011’ – December 7, 2010
RUMOR: Apple to make MobileMe free – May 7, 2010
Refunds for current subscribers?
Hopefully.
Not that I’m overly concerned, but fi they do switch it to free, how will they handle people with remaining months who paid for the year?
If they have a free “core” offering and a paid “premium”, will existing customers be given the premium package until their sub runs out?
Prices at Amazon went up.
I noticed that too. I’ve been getting my renewals there for 45-60 bucks and noticed those prices have pretty much doubled.
Supersize me.
As far as credit for outstanding subscription months goes, one could reasonably expect Apple to convert it to iTunes credit.
I’ve been a MobileMe (and .Mac before that) subscriber for several years. It is more expensive than it should be, but the device synchronization services and the FInd My iPhone capability are important enough to me to pay for it (actually, my company pays for it). Anyway, I have been impressed by the fact that Apple, on at least three occasions, extended my MobileMe subscription as an offset for either service hassles or as a loyalty reward. I am reasonably sure that if it is converted to a “free” service, Apple will offer some kind of compensation. I am looking forward to seeing whats up (maybe on March 2nd?).
Apple hasn’t removed every option to pay for it. When you go to renew an expired account, it still takes you to a reactivation page that asks to charge $99 plus tax to your credit card.
Yeah and if you sign up for a free trial it still asks for a credit card so it can bill you once the trial ends.
aaah so I still can’t try it 🙁
(why can’t I just use an itunes gift card?)
Don’t fret people, as it’s to combat theft. You wouldn’t believe how many copys of MobileMe are stolen from the Apple Stores every day.
I kept all my .Mac/MobileMe boxes since 2005; they’ll be worth a fortune! I’m joking.
I just signed up for the trial, it does in fact ask for a credit card, and tells you it will be charged after 60 days.
Just checked the site and the free trial and the prices and payment are all still there.
well, I just logged into me.com and it gave me the chance to upgrade me subscription to the family plan (for $46.00). I was thinking about adding my wife to her own .mac email address since her google email acts up on her iPhone. I reckon, I will wait until after the “event” to see if there are any changes….
It’s MobileMe, not MobileFree . . .
“MobileMe” originally debuted as “iTools” on January 5, 2000. I was a bit slow in adopting this product, as I didn’t sign up for it till the 6th. I was disappointed when they started charging for it, and would like to see it go back to being a free service. I would, however, gladly pay for a premium upgrade if it meant no ads.
Maybe I’m not a hardcore user of this, but I find it works great for syncing mail, contacts, calendars, between my iMac, MacBook, and iPhone. In the past I hosted a very active blog on it (eventually moved that off to get PHP support) and I’ve been pretty happy with the service. I’ll agree it’s a bit pricey, but I really don’t understand all the complaining about it I see online.
My guess would be a free service close to what is offered now (hopefully the same as) and then a “premium” paid version as well. Current paid subscribers will be able to use new premium services until their contract expires – then, when they are hooked on those services, they could easily pay to continue or “downgrade” to the free service.
Just renewed last month. “Like a free ride, when you already paid…” DOH!!!
I just paid this week! 8-x
Super, glad I just forked over $99 for another year!
well, it’s pretty obvious now that we will hear about the new free MobileMe next Thursday. no doubt all paid subscribers will get a credit for the period after that.
My guess is that if they do a free service they will continue to offer the Find My iPhone/iPad, email, and calendar/contacts syncing. With that they will offer 2-5GB of storage on the iDisk. The premium service would give you additional storage and the web site hosting. I really don’t see them offering the web hosting for free.
It forces you to use the free trial but let you know it’s 99 bucks afterwards. I don’t see anything for free but the trial period.
…”Apple moreover appears to have removed any option of actually paying for MobileMe.”
That part of the article is simply not true. Whoever at MacNN wrote this didn’t even try to sign up for MobileMe. You simply CANNOT start paying for MobileMe right away; first two months MUST be free. However, you MUST give your credit card when you sign up, and if you DON’T cancel before 2 months is out, they will automatically charge for MobileMe.
If this little piece of information was the reasoning for their “imminent free MobileMe” conclusion, I don’t think it is happening.
Maybe one day Apple will fix MobileMe?
Maybe one day Apple will fix MobileMe? Nah….that would reduce our pile of billions!
I hate not being able to pay for things. It’s an invitation to advertising and data mining, and crappy customer service. Like the movie says “Free comes with a d*** in yo’ a**”. Not looking at anyone in particular, MDN…
Thank you for some sense. If you want something of value you get to pay. Somehow. As I’ve said before ‘free’ comes with no respect and no loyalty.