1Password Restores Free-to-Use Local Vault Option in Latest Version of iOS App

1Password has restored the option for customers who originally purchased its iOS app to create a local vault during setup, after users queued up online to voice their frustrations with the fact that the option was silently removed in an update.

The Canadian password management service caused a string of complaints on Reddit and elsewhere earlier this month when a v7.3.3 update to the 1Password iOS app removed the free-to-use local vault option from the app setup process without alerting users to the change.

Withdrawing the option meant that users who reinstalled the iOS app for whatever reason could no longer configure a local vault on their device, even if they'd paid an upfront fee for the app or bought the Pro in-app purchase in the past for exactly this purpose.

The change meant that users looking to maintain local vaults on iPhone or iPad had to either pay for a 1Password membership, or sync their iOS device with a standalone vault created by 1Password for Mac or 1Password Windows – both of which require a subscription.

The good news is that 1Password has listened to user feedback, and the latest update, v7.3.4, restores the ability to create standalone vaults from setup to customers who had previously purchased 1Password 4 for iOS or the Pro Features in-app purchase.

However, for new users at least, there's no longer any way to use the password management service without subscribing to a paid plan.

Tag: 1Password

Top Rated Comments

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maflynn

9 weeks ago

I purchased the version of 1Password that offered multi platform support, windows, mac and I had the iOS version (I forget if I paid for that or not). The move to a subscription based model, meant I was never going to upgrade. Not strictly because of this, but other factors, have made me re-think my decision to keep using what amounts to an unsupported version.

In short, instead of supporting the older customers, they're driving them away - at least they are for me.

Rating: 30 Votes

maflynn

9 weeks ago

I was waiting for 1Password to force older existing customers to the subscription model. They've back tracked for now, but the writing is on the wall, they want you on their subscription model

Rating: 28 Votes

Azeroth1

9 weeks ago

Subscription models are the worst thing to ever happen to software.

Rating: 23 Votes

Heineken

9 weeks ago

Subscriptions are evil.

Rating: 22 Votes

RightMACatU

9 weeks ago

Forced membership = me going back to a paper notebook, seriously.

And membership-sellers have to stop saying "it's only the equivalent of one coffee per ...".
Between all the subscriptions out there, this is turning into "the equivalent of a car payment per..." (Ok maybe a bit much, but u get it :p)

Rating: 19 Votes

GermanSuplex

9 weeks ago

Used this app for years. I'll gladly pay flat fees each year or so for upgrades, but I am not signing up for subscriptions. Beyond my bills at home and Netflix and Apple Music, that's it. I know companies need money to continue development, but I need money too. If the day comes when they take away a flat-fee local vault, I will move to something else.

Rating: 14 Votes

MacDawg

9 weeks ago

I understand the aversion to subscriptions, and I only pay a couple myself

* Dropbox
* NordVPN
* 1Password

But I find real value in 1Password myself
I use very strong unique passwords over multi-platform and it works well for me
And with a couple of dollars a month I don't find it egregious at all compared to some

Hell, I spend more than that in a vending machine each month for far less value

I always find it fascinating how tight people get with their money when it comes to apps, with or without subscriptions, and yet aren't near as discerning in other areas of their finances

Rating: 13 Votes

pixelrogue

9 weeks ago

I was waiting for 1Password to force older existing customers to the subscription model. They've back tracked for now, but the writing is on the wall, they want you on their subscription model

And at an insanely high cost.

I generally abandon apps that switch to subscription models.

Rating: 13 Votes

clarancebfhbrisbane

9 weeks ago

It's sad to see the tone and attitude by the developers... particularly on their forums.

Here they are a bit more constrained with the arrogance because they don't have the ability to delete posts and shadow-ban people they disagree with.
If you posted on their discussion forums with non-cheerleading feedback, maybe you can go back and check in incognito mode if they silenced your voice too.
I've noticed it multiple times that constructive and valid posts from others magically 'disappear' if they are deemed dissatisfactory.

Considering my previous experiences communicating with them this is perfectly in line with expectations. Truly a pity considering the respected past.

This was in no way, shape or form an accident, but a planned feature that unfortunately backfired.

The fake politeness is just that. In reality they detest feedback, which isn't cheerleading, so much that my account was also shadow-banned so no-one would see my comments.

Attitude that sums it up: "You're doing it wrong, your use case is not important, we don't owe you nothing....Oh, and please subscribe."

Rating: 12 Votes

PlayfullyEvil

9 weeks ago

I feel the same way. I too purchased a multi-platform version. Prior to that, I remember purchasing two iOS versions (one for the iPhone and the other for the iPad); shortly thereafter, they released their unified iOS version.

Suffice it to say, I refuse to upgrade to their subscription model as my current versions work perfectly with my workflow. Until they stop supporting local device vaults, I'll keep using what I have now. Once they cease to support that, I'll find an alternative means to manage my data.

Rating: 11 Votes

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