By asahifile Title: Affinity’s New Direction: “Freemium” Model After Canva Acquisition
Affinity’s image-editing applications have undergone a significant transition following their acquisition by Canva. The newly unified app, aptly named “Affinity by Canva,” now operates on a “freemium” model, making it accessible for free with a Canva account, while generative AI features remain locked behind subscription paywalls.
What’s New?
The latest update combines the core functionalities of Affinity’s Photo, Designer, and Publisher into a single robust application. Users can still utilize essential features for free—a plus for existing Affinity users who appreciated the lack of subscriptions associated with traditional software. However, concerns linger among users who valued the perpetual licensing options of the previous apps and fear potential future shifts in what constitutes “free” versus “premium” offerings.
Compatibility and Access
The Affinity by Canva app supports a diverse range of platforms, including Windows and Mac systems, designed to run on both Intel and Apple Silicon architectures. Current system requirements encompass Windows 10 and 11, starting from macOS 10.15 Catalina. The introduction of an iPad version is expected soon.
Ash Hewson, CEO of Affinity, stated that the new version was developed in close cooperation with the user community, focusing on performance, reliability, and creative freedom, addressing what professional users prioritize in their design tools.
Generative AI Features
While the core functionality remains free, Canva’s premium subscription offers enhanced generative AI features, such as “Generative Fill” and “Remove Background.” Despite Affinity’s previous resistance to generative AI, the company asserts that the AI tools prioritize user privacy and will not utilize user-generated work for AI model training.
The Fate of Legacy Apps
Affinity has also addressed concerns regarding its older applications. The version 3 app can open and edit files from previous iterations but will convert them into the new format—meaning compatibility in reverse is not supported. While the legacy apps will continue to be available for download and should operate normally initially, users should be cautious as they won’t receive updates or maintenance in the long run.
Affinity’s approach mirrors Adobe’s transition years ago, suggesting that over time, users of older software may face compatibility hurdles as operating systems evolve.
Conclusion
The transformation of Affinity into a “freemium” model post-Canva acquisition represents a notable shift in its operational strategy. While the free access to core functionalities is welcomed, the long-term implications for users leaning towards traditional software licensing remain uncertain. As the design landscape evolves, both new and existing users will be keen to see how this new chapter unfolds.