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Discontinued Apple Software Returns to 'Purchased' Tab in Mac App Store

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OS-X-El-Capitan-Logo.jpg
Earlier today, we noted Apple had recently removed older versions of OS X and other discontinued software from the Purchased tab of the Mac App Store for users who had previously purchased or downloaded them. The apps, which included Aperture, iPhoto, OS X Lion, OS X Mountain Lion and OS X Mavericks, have now returned to the Purchased tab.

The disappearance of the ability to re-download older software irked users, with some calling the action "user hostile." It's unclear if Apple pulled the software intentionally or whether the Mac App Store experienced a temporary bug in advance of the availability of OS X El Capitan. However, the software was unavailable for several days before returning tonight.

Only one of the apps, Aperture, will continue to be compatible with OS X El Capitan.

Update: As noted by several readers, some discontinued software including Logic Pro 9 and older versions of OS X Server remain unavailable for re-download from the Purchased tab.

Thanks, Matthew!

Article Link: Discontinued Apple Software Returns to 'Purchased' Tab in Mac App Store
 
Article Link
https://www.macrumors.com/2015/09/29/older-software-returns-mac-app-store/
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konqerror

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Dec 31, 2013
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Kaibelf said:
Almost as arrogant as expecting perpetually hosted legacy software that you likely didn't buy anyway. GIMME GIMME GIMME, right?
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The price of the software was included in the price of the computer. Even the price of "free" upgrades. This is well known, Apple defers revenue.

You're saying that Windows is free because nobody "pays" for it when you buy a new computer, so you're not entitled any support or upgrades. And iOS is allowed to be crappy cause you can't buy that either.
 
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KoolAid-Drink

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Sep 18, 2013
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Good to hear. Intentional? I'd guess probably not; they were probably preparing the App Store for Mac OS X 10.11 (El Capitan) distribution and something went wrong.
 
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realeric

realeric

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konqerror said:
The price of the software was included in the price of the computer. Even the price of "free" upgrades. This is well known, Apple defers revenue.
Click to expand...

It doesn't mean Apple should provide the download link forever. I think it's enough if done for warranty period.
 
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konqerror

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Dec 31, 2013
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realeric said:
It doesn't mean Apple should provide the download link forever. I think it's enough if done for warranty period.
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I agree that they don't need to keep it up forever, but they need to make their support and download policy clear. How many months from the date of last sale will it be available. Every enterprise technology company does that, except Apple.
 
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Porco

Porco

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Mar 28, 2005
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realeric said:
It doesn't mean Apple should provide the download link forever.
Click to expand...

I think it kind of does. It should be understood as the unwritten quid pro quo of cloud-hosted software store purchases instead of physical media releases. Storage and bandwidth costs are on an ever-decreasing trend, and old software probably doesn't get downloaded all that often or place much of a burden on systems that are built for huge numbers of downloads. The only real reason for software to expire would be hubris or error. Apple should be fostering the idea that past purchases are safe and aren't going anywhere if they want people to trust in using them to obtain software. Or else we might as well purchase whatever we want elsewhere whenever possible and that 30% they get on apps can go to devs and/or our own storage costs.

I think individual app devs could use the 'it costs too much to keep all versions around' excuse in some cases, I don't think a massive company like Apple, with a self-styled 'store' can get away with not storing!
 
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