I understand the sentiment, but maintaining an app is an ongoing process that takes up the developer’s time. It makes sense to me that they should continue to be renumirated for keeping the app functioning. Subscriptions also insentivise development of mature software and can cover ongoing costs such as servers. When I like an app, I am happy to pay to support the developer. I would also comment that in this case, existing customers do not have to pay the subscription except to gain access to a small number of features. It seems like a fairly reasonable move to me.
I understand the sentiment, but maintaining an app is an ongoing process that takes up the developer’s time. It makes sense to me that they should continue to be renumirated for keeping the app functioning. Subscriptions also insentivise development of mature software and can cover ongoing costs such as servers. When I like an app, I am happy to pay to support the developer. I would also comment that in this case, existing customers do not have to pay the subscription except to gain access to a small number of features. It seems like a fairly reasonable move to me.