Open-source to lifetime-free pricing is buzzing in indie Mac/iOS productivity apps. The standout example is PrioSpace, a project pitched as free forever, open-source, and fully private. It has attracted attention for removing paywalls and embracing a private-by-default vibe [1].
Open-Source Push - The PrioSpace approach shows a clear open-source, privacy-forward angle paired with a free-for-ever promise, expanding how indies introduce users to their ecosystems [1].
Time-Limited Freebies - Indie devs are testing promotions that lock in lifetime access or extend Pro for a window: Foku goes lifetime Pro for 24 hours, sparking a flood of messages and community feedback [3]. - Documents & File Manager – DMS offers 1 year of Pro free for a weekend, turning a simple birthday promo into a lasting impression for new users [4]. - Worthfolio teases free access for 48 hours, with no ongoing paywalls for those who grab it early [6]. - Budget Planner & Spending Tracker likewise promotes lifetime-free access for 48 hours, inviting users to trial without a long-term commitment [5]. - Compressor - Photos - Pictures doubles down with a 24-hour lifetime offer, rewarding early adopters with perpetual perks [7].
These moves aren’t just marketing stunts. They reflect indie devs leaning into generous promos to grow visibility, feedback, and loyalty, often paired with on-device processing and privacy-minded design.
User experience and quality - The promos are paired with real feature updates and community engagement, but long-term value will hinge on ongoing updates and support, not hype alone [3][7].
Looking ahead - If this pricing experimentation sticks, we could see a blended indie model: open-source roots plus strategic freebies driving discovery while quality remains the yardstick.
References
I built my own productivity app 'cause I was tired of switching apps and paying individual subscriptions. (Official Launch)
Indie Mac/iOS to-do app released; free, open-source, private; EU access delay; feedback on features and branding from community on GitHub.
View sourceThe response to my app in last post was insane! To say thanks, my focus-tracking timer Foku is now LIFETIME FREE for the next 24 hours.
Foku focus timer offers 24h free lifetime Pro; debates include iCloud sign-in, privacy, onboarding, and promo-code issues among users online.
View source1 year Pro free for Documents & File Manager - DMS 🎉 This weekend only ✨
Mac and iOS app DMS offers offline private document management with iCloud, OCR, AI features; free Pro weekend, seeking feedback.
View source$19.99 → Lifetime FREE] Made my Budget Planner App Lifetime Free for the Next 48 Hours!
Post announces budget app free for 48 hours; asks for feedback; updates planned like recurring transactions and foreign currency support.
View sourceWorthfolio - Minimalistic Assets & Wealth Calculator [Free for next 48 hours]
Worthfolio released iOS asset tracker; free briefly, then one-time fee; talks Mac/iPad support; bug about pro screen; currency issues updates
View sourceThe response to my app Compressor in the last post was amazing, so as a thank you I am offering another [19.99$ -> Free lifetime offer]
Developer promotes iOS image compressor app, free offer, updates; users give feedback, bugs, feature requests, and reviews.
View source