Setapp pricing chaos is shaping the Mac/iOS scene right now. On discussion threads, users report advertised prices not matching what’s charged and even claims of dynamic pricing that shifts with link, time, or location. Some stories compare a Mac+iOS plan listed at $12.49/month to a activation charge around $30.99, while others note wide swings—roughly €9 to €60+ per month [1].
Separately, a quick clarification: to unlock iOS premium features with Setapp you need the iOS subscription; the iOS app version doesn’t unlock Mac premium features [2].
Indie devs are leaning into bold promos to drive discovery. Here are three notable moves:
• Relaxing Tangle Pro — one-week free promo that positions the paid app as a low-risk try [3]. • Limitless — a 24-hour window of free lifetime premium access, aiming for rapid sign-ups and feedback [4]. • NoteSpeak — a 48-hour lifetime price drop to $1.99, a dramatic contrast for awareness and early adopters [5].
These stunts illustrate a crowded promo landscape where pricing transparency, cross-platform access, and scarcity-driven offers collide. Indie developers are experimenting with lifetime deals and time-limited campaigns to spark traction in 2025.
References
Setapp Pricing - Advertised Price is not the same as Charged Price
Setapp pricing appears inconsistent; users report dynamic pricing across platforms, discuss alternatives, price transparency, and partial satisfaction options for some
View sourceNeed I the iOS Setapp version to get iOS premium features as well?
User asks if Setapp iOS version is needed for premium features; confirms iOS subscription required; Spark iOS works with macOS.
View sourceMy paid app “Relaxing Tangle Pro” is free for a week 🌀 Enjoy!!!
Promotes Relaxing Tangle Pro for iOS, free for a week; highlights relaxation, stress relief, customization, and interactive games.
View sourceLimitless. The all in one fitness app! $9.99/ month --> lifetime free
Limitless iOS fitness app launched; users discuss lifetime access promo, signup bugs, banner updates, Apple Health and Watch integrations plans.
View source[BIG UPDATE] You like voice notes but hate listening and organizing them? Well, me too and here's the solution: NoteSpeak: AI Notes Taker [Premium Lifetime $99.99–> $1.99 for 48H] 🎉
NoteSpeak updates on iOS with AI notes, 48h lifetime promo, lock screen widget, background limits, user feedback.
View source