Pricing chatter in the Mac and iOS utilities scene is taking shape. WaterTrack proves you can skip subscriptions with a simple $1 one-time purchase—and that stance is sparking chatter. It’s a no-ads, no-subscription reminder app that’s leaning into a quick, friendly buy. [1]
WaterTrack: The launch thread emphasizes a single-dollar, non-subscription model, with fans praising the simplicity and plans for Apple Health integration. [1]
Folder Preview Pro: This upgrade expands the original Folder Preview with actions, thumbnails, and a sandbox-free experience (Full Disk Access needed). It’s sold as a paid upgrade via Polar checkout, with a Reddit discount code. That pricing path underscores a shift toward paid, feature-rich tiers rather than free-with-ads. [2]
Focos and alternatives: The conversation centers on moving beyond free tiers, with users weighing paid options and lifetime buys. Some point to Relens as a free alternative, while others hint at ongoing subscriptions or lifetime purchases for depth effects. [3]
WakeMinder: The app is promoting a free trial window, then a paid future: $1.99/month, $9.99/year, or a $19.99 lifetime. It’s a clean example of a temporary free period giving way to ongoing monetization. [4]
DriveVault: Open to testers in public beta, DriveVault stays free to try and catalogs unplugged drives offline. No pricing details are announced yet, but the beta approach keeps pricing negotiations on the horizon. [5]
Bottom line: the macOS/iOS utility scene is experimenting with one-time buys, paid upgrades, and trials as it weighs how to monetize without scaring away adopters. The next few releases will reveal which model wins trust and traction.
POST IDs referenced: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
References
[App Release] WaterTrack - Simple $1 Water Reminder (No Ads, No Subscriptions)
WaterTrack release; no ads; one-time purchase; adds Widget, Health integration; comparisons with Waterllama; subscription concerns highlighted; watch support hoped.
View sourceFolder Preview Pro: Quick Look Folders with Actions and Thumbnails
Folder Preview Pro launch adds actions, thumbnails, and icons view; mixed feedback cites performance issues and upgrade code prompts online.
View sourceis there a free alternative to the focos app for adding depth effect in post processing?
Seeking free depth effects alternative to Focos; Relens praised; Tadaa suggested; iPad version criticized; pricing discussions ongoing by users here.
View source[$19.99 → FREE] 🚨 Only 4 Days Left 🚨
WakeMinder Mac and iOS app; instant wake reminders; cross-device sharing; free trial; paid subscriptions afterward; Mac-first workflow.
View sourceDriveVault: Search Your Unplugged Hard Drives [Public Beta Open]
DriveVault macOS public beta discussed; compared to NeoFinder; praised UI; concerns about pricing; requests for indexing features and large-drive testing.
View source