The problem with upgrading digital software

Early this morning, Apple, Inc. released a major update to its professional audio software, Logic Pro, bringing it to version ten. It includes a plethora of new features, from a built-in arpeggiator (finally) and Drummer to SoundCloud publishing and redesigned vintage keyboards. Well worth the $199 price tag.

Sadly, with all of its wonder, this DAW brings an interesting problem to the table: upgrading digital-based software isn't as cost-effective. With physical purchases, you could deregister the software and sell it on Amazon.com or eBay. This isn't the case with digital purchases since there's no way to transfer the license. Apple doesn't use key authentication for Mac App Store purchases because signing in to your account is a lot easier. However, without this there's no way to redistribute the software — it's expendable.

This isn't just Apple's problem — it plagues developers on any platform. Soon, physical mediums may be obsolete and the only thing valuable could be the USB keys required to legally run the software. Propellerhead still uses this with its Reason DAW, which means that resale of the software is easily possible. But with products on the various app distribution hubs, it's not plausible to consider making money off the software once it's outdated.

The only solution to this problem is to release major upgrades every few years rather than every other month. It ensures that the users don't pay too much for the software so they keep coming back for more revisions in the future. Just like with sequels to games and films, new copies cost money. But if you don't need the old copy, it should be possible to sell it.