Lifetime licenses are reshaping Mac/iOS apps in 2025, turning pricing into a strategic feature rather than a one-off sale. Indie devs are testing lifetime access as a sustainability tool while users weigh long-term value.
Visual LabX flashed a $29.99 → Free Lifetime Premium offer, a stark shift toward lifelong access for an iOS photo editor [1]. Some users report VPN or DNS quirks can hide lifetime options, but the core idea is clear: a one-time tax to own forever.
Calendar0 lets core calendar features be free, while AI scheduling features are a $29 lifetime add-on, aiming to keep the app sustainable [2].
CalcVerter pushes a bundle of lifetime deals: Lifetime Developer Pack free down from $1.99, and Lifetime Premium Pack down from $7.99 to $2.99 [3].
Inner.codes is offering Free Lifetime Access for the first 500 iOS users; claim by emailing support and the offer ends Jan 1, 2026 [4].
BooksMe launches with lifetime access at $59.99, matching a one-year price, and pitches offline use; it even contrasts with Blinkist on sale at about $12/year [5].
These experiments stress value over time and push developers to prove long-term worth. Watch how users balance upfront costs with ongoing updates next year.
References
[iOS][Visual LabX - Photo Editing App][$29.99 → Free Lifetime Premium]
iOS Visual LabX price drop to lifetime premium; discusses lack of lifetime option, VPN/DNS issues, and contact for help today
View sourceMade a MacOS system tray calendar that syncs Google/Microsoft/Apple calendars
MacOS menubar Calendar0 adds Apple calendar, unifies Google/Microsoft; bulk edits; free core features, AI scheduling $29 lifetime; seeks feedback.
View sourceCalcVerter 7.7 update new available with new features and discounts
CalcVerter 7.7 update adds color palettes, collections, converter, date formatter, subnet calculator; discounts on lifetime packs; iOS App Store link.
View source🧠 Free Lifetime Access ($99.99 value) for first 500 iOS Users. Innercodes: Program Your Mind, Install Better Thoughts
Giveaway grants free lifetime access to Inner.codes for first 500 iOS users; includes tracks, goal tracking, playlists, and journaling.
View sourceLifetime access to book summaries app for $60 - actually helps you remember what you read
BooksMe iOS app offers focused book summaries, audio, offline use, auto flashcards; lifetime price; compared with Blinkist.
View source