Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

cuzo

macrumors 65816
Original poster
Sep 23, 2012
1,069
249
I was trying to download a alarm app to help me wake up and these fools want 2 bucks a more for premium customer support and all this.

Is it that bad on IOS now? Everyone after a buck? Where are the pay one time apps and done it? This is kinda pathetic.
 

menist

macrumors 6502a
Jun 10, 2010
687
594
California
Lots of apps are like that, ads galore, pay to remove ads, or monthly payments, etc.
 
Last edited:

1rottenapple

macrumors 601
Apr 21, 2004
4,758
2,774
I can understand where your coming from. Like how many subscriptions should we pay? It’s kinda rediculous. I’d rather pay an app $10 or $20 if it’d worth it. But I never do subs. We already have our cellphones, at least 2 streaming services, annual Amazon or Costco. Not to mention door bell video alarms. It gets too much. So OP vote with your wallet. Also Apple is strong arming developments to include subscriptions since they get a cut of it so that is also another factor to take into consideration.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Shoghunuk

Nextup12

macrumors member
Sep 10, 2018
90
130
I agree, I avoid apps that require subscriptions and always have. Would rather find an alternative that has a pay at once model. It’s much easier to manage my money that way and I know what I can spend.

Do not like being a slave to a subscription based model for apps. TV services I can accept because of how much they are used and the value it brings to the home but for apps, not a chance.
 

cuzo

macrumors 65816
Original poster
Sep 23, 2012
1,069
249
Developers want to be able to support themselves on their work. It’s harder to do that on single purchases. That’s pathetic?

Yes I can understand gaming apps or maybe something that brings in money or helps to do that. Or even a work app but a alarm doesn't need "premium customer service" subscriptions that's crazy.

It's just a money grab at this point.
 
  • Like
Reactions: pacorob

Shoghunuk

macrumors newbie
Oct 14, 2020
9
5
I was trying to download a alarm app to help me wake up and these fools want 2 bucks a more for premium customer support and all this.

Is it that bad on IOS now? Everyone after a buck? Where are the pay one time apps and done it? This is kinda pathetic.

I agree in part (not the kinda pathetic part) and agree with what rKunda said that developers want to support themselves.

In the past, we bought a piece of software and we got what we bought. No more, no less. In some cases, you bought a licence for a couple of years and got software updates if there were any. All fine and good. Nowadays, it seems to be more dynamic. We subscribe to an app and we get the evolution of the app as it develops over time. Basically we are investing in the app developer and the software for the future, as it evolves and (hopefully) gets better.

Is that really a bad thing?
 
  • Like
Reactions: stephenschimpf

lexvo

macrumors 65816
Nov 11, 2009
1,477
556
The Netherlands
I'd rather have higher app prices if that is what's needed for developers to build a sustainable business. I prefer paying once (and for updates) over having a subscription.
 
  • Like
Reactions: max2

cuzo

macrumors 65816
Original poster
Sep 23, 2012
1,069
249
I agree in part (not the kinda pathetic part) and agree with what rKunda said that developers want to support themselves.

In the past, we bought a piece of software and we got what we bought. No more, no less. In some cases, you bought a licence for a couple of years and got software updates if there were any. All fine and good. Nowadays, it seems to be more dynamic. We subscribe to an app and we get the evolution of the app as it develops over time. Basically we are investing in the app developer and the software for the future, as it evolves and (hopefully) gets better.

Is that really a bad thing?

No I don't think it is, I think you are correct people need to make a living but I think you need to provide apps that can make people feel their worth enough to spend the monthly fee on.

A subscription based alarm app is just a hustle and I'm sorry but I can never do that.

But I think this is a issue more-so with IOS since it's know to have better apps and of course a higher amount spent on the app store and this is something that people that don't spend on apps like that will eventually leave IOS if the trend continues.
 

Beefburga

macrumors 6502
Aug 4, 2009
292
51
I was using a small app which randomly showed a photo from a chosen album off the phone but instead of the stock app it changed the picture every 5-10 mins.

This worked really well and it was a free app.

A few days after using the app had an update saying improvements and VIP options.........so I updated.

little did I know that this update stopped the app working unless you paid £4.99 a month......A MONTH!!

what would you rather pay for?, an app which pretty much did what the stock app did or Apple Arcade?........

granted, I’d of paid £5 for an outright app purchase but £4.99 a month.

I emailed the developer and surprise surprise, no response.

I deleted the app, found another one which was free, better and is still free.

I understand developers should be paid for hard work but keep it realistic.
 

AZhappyjack

Suspended
Jul 3, 2011
10,183
23,657
Happy Jack, AZ
I was trying to download a alarm app to help me wake up and these fools want 2 bucks a more for premium customer support and all this.

Is it that bad on IOS now? Everyone after a buck? Where are the pay one time apps and done it? This is kinda pathetic.

Because some developers are lazy and greedy ... they are looking to create an eternal source of income for creating an app... and yes, it's pathetic in many cases.
 
  • Like
Reactions: max2

Joshel

macrumors member
Oct 18, 2020
30
25
I also don't like apps that do simple functionality and require subscriptions, but I can subscribe if I use it often and the content is being updated frequently.

However, I hate when they offer to subscribe right after you install an app, especially if the cross button is hidden or unavailable at all:mad:
 
  • Like
Reactions: max2
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.