I always wondered how they stay afloat with their business model (50 €/$ upfront for lifelong updates ).
Now it looks like they can’t :(
I dislike subscriptions as much as the next guy, but for jolla it seems like a good and honest business model. They don’t have an income stream via App store fees and they won’t sell your data. Keeping the regular security and updates coming constantly burns money that needs to come from somewhere.
I would be happier if I could just purchase update packages for an entire year.
Edit:
The comments under article link to the Q&A, looks like I was to pessimistic:
Copy&pasted for your convenience:
<span style="color:#323232;">Q: Are you considering keeping one-time-fee (perpetual) Sailfish license available?
</span><span style="color:#323232;">A: Yes, we are and also based on the feedback it looks that we keep the option for a Sailfish OS (perpetual) license with fixed fee available for all supported device models. This will be offered next to the subscription model.
</span><span style="color:#323232;">
</span><span style="color:#323232;">Q: I get the point you want to charge a subscription but would rather pay it yearly, will that be possible?
</span><span style="color:#323232;">A: Yes, it will be.
</span><span style="color:#323232;">
</span><span style="color:#323232;">Q: Will Sailfish OS and AppSupport continue working if I end my subscription?
</span><span style="color:#323232;">A: Yes, we won’t be blocking the use. However, you would not receive releases, upgrades and new features.
</span><span style="color:#323232;">
</span><span style="color:#323232;">Q: Will the Free Trial version continue? Also for newer device models?
</span><span style="color:#323232;">A: Yes, we’re committed to continue offering the Free Trial license. Next additions to the Free Trial versions will be for Sony Xperia 10 IV and 10 V.
</span><span style="color:#323232;">
</span><span style="color:#323232;">Q: What’s the plan with Sony Xperia XA2, 10, 10 II and 10 III?
</span><span style="color:#323232;">A: They continue working as long as it’s technically feasible to support them. Hopefully we support them still years, like we’re used to, but eventually also those will deserve a retirement plan.
</span><span style="color:#323232;">
</span><span style="color:#323232;">Q: Does this affect someone who already has a phone and a license? Do I need to pay subscription in the new Jolla Community Phone/C2?
</span><span style="color:#323232;">A: The subscription model does not affect to one-time-fee (perpetual) licenses. The Jolla Community Phone comes with 12 months subscription included, after (and during) which you can freely choose whether to continue with the subscription model or pay a one-time-fee (perpetual) license.
</span><span style="color:#323232;">
</span><span style="color:#323232;">Q: Accessories, screen protectors, cases?
</span><span style="color:#323232;">A: Yes, we also like and need these indeed! Thanks to our partnership with Reeder this is now very feasible and relevant accessories will be added to the shop in due course - stay tuned!)
</span>
I want to donate to a linux phone. I believe in linux and I want a linux phone. Maybe we can use one in very few years as a normal daily driver. It’s getting closer and closer every month....
Depending on your tolerance for frustration you can daily a phone running SailfishX. But the reality of it, at least for me, is that you will be running mostly Android apps using the Android emulator.
The emulator and the relatively easy access to Android apps makes it the most promising for me.
Jolla's Sailfish OS is moving to a subscription model, new phone (and a privacy-focused AI device) coming soon - Liliputing (liliputing.com)
which linux phone is the most promising?
I want to donate to a linux phone. I believe in linux and I want a linux phone. Maybe we can use one in very few years as a normal daily driver. It’s getting closer and closer every month....
Epic Games Admits In Court That Its PC Store Still Isn't Profitable (kotaku.com)