Dark Noise Now Free With $3/Month Subscription Upgrade Option for New Users

[MacRumors]

Dark Noise today announced it has switched to a subscription pricing model on the iPhone, iPad, and Mac. The popular white noise app was previously available as a one-time purchase for $9.99, but the full version now costs $2.99 per month or $19.99 per year for new users. A one-time purchase option remains available for $49.99 for new users.

The bad news is that the full version of Dark Noise is now considerably more expensive for new users, but the good news is that the app is now available for free on the App Store, with eight sounds now available without charge. Another bit of good news is that existing Dark Noise users who purchased the app before the version 3.0 update released today retain access to the full app with over 50 sounds without a Dark Noise Pro subscription.

"There may be features in the future that require Dark Noise Pro, but for now original users will get all of the same features," says Dark Noise's announcement. New users can try out the Pro tier with a free three-day trial.

The updated Dark Noise app includes four stereo remasters of existing sounds: Rain, Thunderstorm, Beach, and Airplane Interior. Dark Noise said future updates will include additional remasters, as well as an increasing variety of sounds.

Apple introduced a similar Background Sounds feature in iOS 15 and macOS Ventura. Available in the Settings app under Accessibility → Audio/Visual → Background Sounds, the feature allows you to play rain sounds and a selection of other ambient sounds for free. White noise can help some people to relax, sleep, or stay focused on a task.

Article Link: Dark Noise Now Free With $3/Month Subscription Upgrade Option for New Users

 

[FSMBP]

I really hate the subscription model...The fact that Apple is pushing developers to use it seems user hostile. I get paying developers and am completely for it, but come on.

 

[icanhazmac]

Wow, $49 for static a noise app, we are all DOOOOOOOMED!

Hard pass! This app is the poster child for apps that should never see a subscription model. One time buy and IF you provide an update that I find value in I will upgrade, if not then I will stick with the version that I bought. There is zero day to day maintenence on an app like this.

Imagine being dumb enough to rent white noise.

 

[Enclavean]

Used to be $9, now that gets you 3 months.

If you’ve used this app for 2 years you would have paid $216 with this new model. For a white noise app.

 

[Rychiar]

who would pay for noise...

 

[uptownnyc]

Hard pass

 

[antiprotest]

For all the naysayers, you need to understand that with inflation, the cost of supply for noise has gone way up and it is only reasonable to pass some of it to the customers.

 

[NMBob]

Used to be $9, now that gets you 3 months.

If you’ve used this app for 2 years you would have paid $216 with this new model. For a white noise app.

It probably doesn't even have a fart sound.

 

[japanime]

Apple introduced a similar Background Sounds feature in iOS 15 and macOS Ventura. Available in the Settings app under Accessibility → Audio/Visual → Background Sounds, the feature allows you to play rain sounds and a selection of other ambient sounds for free.

In iOS and iPadOS, you can access the Background Sounds simply by swiping into Control Center and tapping the Speaker icon (the one that looks like an ear). No need to drill down into the Settings app.

 

[Solomani]

No thanks. For that price, a box of CBD gummies will let me sleep faster and more effectively.

 

[Prabas]

iOS has background noises built-in. Add it to your control centre for easy access.

 

[alchemistmuffin]

I really hate the subscription model...The fact that Apple is pushing developers to use it seems user hostile. I get paying developers and am completely for it, but come on.

Well, developers have no choice. Apple is discouraging developers submitting completely new version of existing paid app to get everyone to pay to upgrade. Apple wants developers to either offer upgrades for free or switch to subscription model. Also, servers to host some of the contents of the app aren’t cheap anymore so developers have to make some money to pay the bills.

 

[floral]

Wow! 5x the price! What a bargain ;D

 

[floral]

Well, developers have no choice. Apple is cracking down on developers submitting completely new version of existing paid app to get everyone to pay to upgrade. Apple wants developers to either offer upgrades for free or switch to subscription model. Also, servers to host some of the contents of the app aren’t cheap anymore so developers have to make some money to pay the bills.

Wait, cracking down how? Is it like, illegal to have a one-time paywall app now?

 

[alchemistmuffin]

Wait, cracking down how? Is it like, illegal to have a one-time paywall app now?

Apple wants devs to submit ONE version of paid app. Devs are discouraged from submitting a completely new version of same paid app separately so they can charge for one time upgrade. (Apple wants devs to submit it as update to existing app, so either make major upgrade of app as free update or switch to subscription model)

 

[Mansu944]

not everything needs to be a subscription. Screw these guys.

 

[RedWeasel]

April 1st is already over in the US as well, right?

 

[CarAnalogy]

For all the negative comments, I will say that at least they did this transition as well as possible. I paid for it some time ago and nothing changes for me.

Not sure I'd be willing to pay a subscription but it is a good app. The sounds built into the iPhone are a little basic and have no options, and it seems the main sounds are still free.

 

[thatguywill]

Please don’t call these types of apps ‘free’.

 

[Porco]

Well I got a free laugh, no subscription required, so thanks for that, Dark Noise devs.

And yeah, at least they’re not behaving like pre-U-turn Waves Audio over existing users.

But I am still opposed to software rentals.

 

[Apple_Robert]

I use Apple Music at night and just repeat the noise. No further subscription needed.

 

[Drogba11]

Subscription models are cancer. Especially for apps like this

 

[Apple2GS]

I just had Chat GTP create a white noise app in 20 seconds.

 

[4look4rd]

I really hate the subscription model...The fact that Apple is pushing developers to use it seems user hostile. I get paying developers and am completely for it, but come on.

You may hate the subscription model, but would you be okay with perpetual license and no support or cloud integration at all? I feel like a lot of people expect ongoing support, continuous improvements, and advanced features but still want to pay for one perpetual license.

If the dev has ongoing costs to support users, the old model of sell once makes little sense.

 

[Joe Rossignol]

Used to be $9, now that gets you 3 months.

If you’ve used this app for 2 years you would have paid $216 with this new model. For a white noise app.

I'm not arguing your point, but your math is off. $3 x 24 months = $72.