In a surprising move, Serif has made its acclaimed Affinity suite—comprising Affinity Photo, Affinity Publisher, and Affinity Designer—available for free on the iPad. This development comes ahead of a significant announcement scheduled for October 30, which the company has intriguingly described as true creative freedom.
Background and Acquisition by Canva
Serif’s Affinity applications have long been celebrated for their robust capabilities, offering a compelling alternative to Adobe’s suite. In March 2024, Serif was acquired by Canva, a leading online design platform. Following the acquisition, Serif introduced an extended six-month free trial for all its applications across iPad and Mac platforms. This initiative was seen as a strategic move to attract a broader user base and to position Affinity as a formidable competitor in the creative software market.
Current Free Offer for iPad Users
The current offer, however, is distinct and exclusive to iPad users. As of now, all three Affinity apps can be downloaded and retained for free from the App Store. To take advantage of this offer:
1. Download the Apps: Search for Affinity Designer 2, Affinity Publisher 2, and Affinity Photo 2 on the App Store and download them to your iPad.
2. Install and Register: Once installed, open each app and either log in to your existing Affinity account or register a new one.
3. Complete the Purchase Process: Navigate to the ‘Account’ section within the app, tap on ‘Buy Now,’ and confirm the purchase. Notably, the purchase price is listed as $0.
4. Register the App: Follow the prompt to register the app with your Affinity account.
Initially, the apps may indicate a seven-day free trial period. However, upon completing the purchase process, the apps become yours indefinitely at no cost.
Uncertainty Surrounding the Offer
It’s important to note that this free offer has not been formally announced by Serif, leading to speculation about its permanence. Some users have expressed concerns that this might be a temporary promotion or even an unintended pricing error. Given the lack of official communication, it’s advisable for interested users to act swiftly to secure these applications.
Changes in Availability and Company Operations
In parallel developments, the Mac versions of the Affinity apps have been removed from the Mac App Store in both the UK and the US. This removal has raised questions about the future availability of these applications on desktop platforms. Additionally, several operational changes within Serif have been observed:
– YouTube Channel Closure: Serif’s official YouTube channel has been shut down, limiting access to video tutorials and promotional content.
– Plug-in Store Closure: The company’s plug-in store has also been closed, affecting users who rely on third-party extensions.
– Forum Status: The Affinity forums are set to become read-only starting October 6, restricting community interactions and support.
– Universal License Discontinuation: The option to purchase a universal license, which provided access to all Affinity apps across platforms, is no longer available.
These changes have led to speculation about the direction Serif is taking under Canva’s ownership. The upcoming announcement on October 30 is highly anticipated, as it may provide clarity on these developments and the company’s future plans.
Implications for Users
For existing and potential users, this period of transition presents both opportunities and uncertainties. The free availability of the Affinity suite on iPad is a significant boon for creatives seeking powerful tools without financial commitment. However, the removal of Mac versions and other operational changes suggest a shift in Serif’s strategy, possibly towards a more integrated approach with Canva’s offerings.
Conclusion
The current free offer for Affinity’s iPad apps is an unprecedented opportunity for creatives to access professional-grade tools at no cost. Given the lack of official communication and the upcoming announcement, it’s prudent for users to download and register these apps promptly. Staying informed about Serif’s developments will be crucial in navigating the evolving landscape of creative software solutions.
