This conversation has come back around again, so maybe I can save everyone a little time.
Apple recently released Logic Pro X in the Mac App Store. It’s the first major new version of any of its paid apps besides OS X since the Mac App Store became a thing and since we’ve all been begging and pleading for upgrade pricing and demo options for both App Stores.
Logic Pro X does not have a downloadable demo from the store or Apple’s site. It costs $200. The previous version that was available the day before Logic Pro X also cost $200. Apple balanced its price at a perceived value for both new and existing customers (Aperture, for example, used to be $300, now it’s $80) and, to my knowledge, none of its apps have ever gone on sale.
That’s it, there’s your answer. Apple didn’t use a blog post or an interview or a leaked memo, it spoke through action. I’m not sure I’m any happier with it than the rest of us, though there certainly are some advantages in terms of lowering customer confusion and support queries—one price, old customers and new, no questions about who qualifies for the extra special double upgrade super sale and who doesn’t and c’mon I bought it one day before your upgrade window pretty please ok fine you get one-star and I’m going to trash your name all over my Twitter.
Unless there is some sort of significant App Store regime change or a decision maker gets a bump on the head followed by an epiphany, upgrade pricing and demos are not coming to the App Store or Mac App Store. Adjust your App Store apps and business models accordingly.
