14 DAY TRIAL // Since the introduction of Apple’s new iWork for iCloud web apps, there has been some debate regarding the possibility to see Keynote, Pages and Numbers become free products.
The confirmation seems to come from iOS 7 Beta 3, which presents users with a new Free Downloads screen that lists not only the usual suspects - iTunes U, iBooks, Podcasts, etc. - but also iWork and iLife titles.
iWork and iLife are paid services on iOS. Each suite is comprised of three individual apps - iWork containing Pages, Keynote and Numbers, while iLife holds iMovie, iPhoto, and GarageBand.
iWork apps sell for $9.99 / €8.99 apiece, whereas the three pieces of software that make up iLife go for $4.99 / €4.49 each.
With the introduction of iWork for iCloud, apps like Pages, Keynote and Numbers have been made available free of charge (as web apps) to anyone wielding an iCloud account.
Which means it makes perfect sense to drop the price to $0 on the individual iOS apps as well. And if iWork can do it, iLife can go the same route too. You know what they say: all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
In conclusion, it seems Apple will drive even more iPhone and iPad sales through software this fall when iOS 7 makes its ceremonious debut.
Adding iWork and iLife to the range of free in-house offerings is certainly an incentive to choose iOS over Android or any other Windows-based smartphone, but the customer will have the final say, as always.
According to Apple, iOS 7 will be compatible with iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPhone 5, iPod touch 5th-generation, iPad 2, iPad 3, and iPad 4. Any iDevice set for unveiling at Apple’s fall event will also be fully supported by iOS 7.