Popular Email Client Spark Gets Major Redesign For Mac, Moves to Subscription Model

[Sausage.Biscuit]

I use Spark, I have for years. I think it is a great email client. I do not think a SaaS model makes sense for an email client. Thankfully (for now), the free tier keeps most of the features it always had. If they scale them back in the future, I'll probably look for another alternative.

 

[Mr. Heckles]

Subscriptions don’t bother me if I see a value in it. As for an email client (not even an email service) for $60 a year is outrageous.

What, people pay for email? Folks it’s email

It’s not even email, it’s an email client. I have no issues paying for email, I pay for Fastmail…. and it’s cheaper than this email client.

With email, you either pay with your data or money. So everyone pays one way or another.

 

[cylack]

Why do people use apps like this? Microsoft Outlook or Apple Mail does everything.

 

[ProfessionalFan]

Apple Mail does everything.

Well it doesn't but it does do enough for most people.

 

[jonobin]

This version is no longer available through the Mac App Store?

 

[dino12]

I don’t understand the appeal for services like this. What is missing from native/built in apps?

I use Apple Mail, it does everything I could think anyone needs. It even has an Undo option now. I use Outlook and Microsoft Mail on my other devices, they too have pretty much what I need.

Why pay for a subscription? This is an honest question.

The only reason I use Spark on my iPad is its the only app that lets me download multiple email attachments all at once. I can't find another app that lets me do this.

 

[gank41]

The only reason I use Spark on my iPad is its the only app that lets me download multiple email attachments all at once. I can't find another app that lets me do this.

And is that now locked down behind a paywall?

 

[ProfessionalFan]

And is that now locked down behind a paywall?

It is not

 

[Brien]

Surely there must be a way to pay once for ad removal for the life of the product. When will companies innovate a solution?

Surely there’s something out there as an alternative to subscriptions, where you pay once and own the right to use the program forever as purchased.

Hmmmmmmm 🤔 hmmmmmmm

Because now you have to pay for it + a monthly fee + plus ads + they sell your data. Something, something, maximization of profit.

 

[gank41]

I wonder if you have to pay to have it accurately report how many emails are in a folder. This time, it's the Trash Folder. I see 4 emails in my Trash, but it's saying there's 5.

¯\_(ツ)_/¯




Was hoping issues like this would be fixed, but I guess I was dumb to think the FREE app would work right...

 

[ulkeshkosh]

Everyone in this thread is arguing over pricing, subscription, privacy, etc., rightly so, I'm sure; and not one argument it seems on just how bad the new design is. I installed this on Windows (which I loved that they came out with a Windows client), and, for the life of me, I cannot figure out how to get my side-by-side view back (vertical list of email headers, then viewing the email to the right).

If you're going to try to force your userbase to pay, the least you can do is not screw up your design.

I guess I'll be finding yet another email client. And honestly, I would have probably paid for this had they not screwed with the design so much in the vein of "productivity".

 

[g13000]

Oof - just downloaded.
I appreciate the free model, and so was excited about the updated hoping the UI was upgraded. And it is prettier and minimalistic! However, if you have multiple email accounts, and a lot of email...then it feels like I am going to spend a lot of time clicking, and opening, and selecting, and... A bummer! I use email a lot, and have been using spark for years, but this UI (not the subscription) will be the end for me.

 

[ProfessionalFan]

I wonder if you have to pay to have it accurately report how many emails are in a folder. This time, it's the Trash Folder. I see 4 emails in my Trash, but it's saying there's 5.

¯\_(ツ)_/¯

View attachment 2087968


Was hoping issues like this would be fixed, but I guess I was dumb to think the FREE app would work right...

That looks like the old version though. Does it still happen in the new version?

 

[whyamihere]

Until the end of the article I was very concerned I'd be forced to this new crap that is unnecessary for an email client. Sigh of relief once I found they are actually only giving that to those who pay.

 

[gank41]

That looks like the old version though. Does it still happen in the new version?

Huh, you're right. Got the update on my iPad, my iPhone, and my Intel Mac mini, but not my M1 MBP. Odd. And the App Store ism't listing it as an update for me.

EDIT-- Correction, only my iDevices, not my M1 MBP or Intel Mac mini.. My mistake.

 

[ProfessionalFan]

Huh, you're right. Got the update on my iPad, my iPhone, and my Intel Mac mini, but not my M1 MBP. Odd. And the App Store ism't listing it as an update for me.

You have to download it from their website currently to get the new Mac version

 

[gank41]

You have to download it from their website currently to get the new Mac version

Double Huh!! What a super wonky way of doing business- Introducing complexities like "Where did I install this from?"

So, no one's truly able to answer whether the option to remove their signature from new emails on the free tier is truly there or not, as intended. Not seeing that on my iPhone or iPad, but if you have to reinstall the app from their site, you wouldn't be grandfather in any longer, and would then have to pay just for that, no? I mean, it clearly states in their pricing model page that you have to pay to remove the signature they force on you.

 

[g13000]

So...for all those who have been using Spark because of their UI, anyone have suggestions for where to go from here?
Airmail? Or...?

 

[ProfessionalFan]

So...for all those who have been using Spark because of their UI, anyone have suggestions for where to go from here?
Airmail? Or...?

Unless you need one of the new premium features, you could just continue to use Spark for free

 

[gank41]

So...for all those who have been using Spark because of their UI, anyone have suggestions for where to go from here?
Airmail? Or...?

I find Edison's Mail App to look very similar to Apple's Mail.app. I've recently switched to using that as of a few weeks ago due to Spark's issues accurately reporting the current number of Unread Emails. I did try Airmail, but found there to be TOO much customization options.. Edison has been "just right" for me..

 

[com.B]

Why do people use apps like this? Microsoft Outlook or Apple Mail does everything.

Outlook is more expensive than this.

 

[CheffyDude]

Fact: Introducing a subscription model to an app that I have already paid for aggravates me.

 

[dino12]

And is that now locked down behind a paywall?

As of now it’s not. When it does I’m gone.

 

[bice]

Apps with a single, large upfront cost (tend to) prioritize flashy new features, which entice customers to make the initial purchase in comparison to a subscription model where there is a continued focus on new features + bug fixes + enhancements.

...

Another aspect is that apps with a single, large upfront cost (tend to) have those flashy features finalized, tested and providing benefit to the customer from day 1, in comparison to a subscription model that can launch barebones apps with a fuzzy roadmap and promises of what might come down the line.

 

[ahostmadsen]

Unless you need one of the new premium features, you could just continue to use Spark for free

And have every email you send infected by ads: "sent with spark."

I can accept that they put new features behind a paywall. But requiring you to pay to remove "sent with spark" is like blackmail.