Affinity, the creative software suite developed by Serif, is currently teasing a big announcement scheduled for October 30, 2025. All sales of Affinity's desktop apps (including Affinity Photo, Designer, and Publisher) have been paused and their iPad versions have temporarily been made available for free. This move follows the 2024 acquisition of Serif by Canva, which has fueled substantial speculation in the digital design and photography communities about the future of Affinity's business model and software offerings. The upcoming changes are sparking fears in the creative community that Serif plans to move to an Adobe-style subscription model.
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| Affinity halts sales and teases a major October 30 reveal |
Community Speculation and Official Statements from Serif
- The user community has speculated about the potential changes. Many people are expressing fears that Affinity will abandon its one-time purchase (perpetual license) model and move to a subscription system, which is how Canva, their parent company, operates.
- Serif has addressed these concerns by stating on social media that a forced subscription model is “absolutely not the plan.” However, many creatives are skeptical.
- Others speculate the announcement could be about the integration of generative AI tools, something Canva already offers, or the release of Affinity version 3 with new features and a unified or web-based platform.
- The dramatic approach (removing sales, creating an information blackout, exclusive iPad free offer) may simply be a marketing strategy to draw maximum attention to the October 30 relaunch.
What Is Happening Right Now
- As of early October 2025, it is not possible to buy Affinity's desktop software (Photo, Designer, and Publisher) through their site or app stores. Purchases and free trials are suspended until after the announcement.
- Existing customers retain full access to their previously purchased software and updates are still available. The current pause only affects new customers and trials.
- Affinity is heavily promoting the October 30 event. They claim that "True creative freedom is just around the corner." They are also encouraging users to sign up for updates.
- Their forums are in read-only mode, and Affinity's official social and support channels have been fielding numerous user concerns.
What to Expect on October 30
- A significant new product or platform is expected to be released, potentially a new generation of Affinity apps, a major rebrand, or integration with Canva.
- Specifics of the licensing model (perpetual vs. subscription) and the extent of AI features will be unveiled, with Serif assuring their community that user choice will remain a priority.
- The transition is described as a “shift in how creative freedom is defined.”
My Take
Affinity seems to be on the verge of a massive update or transformation. Many creators are on edge but hoping for positive changes without unwanted loss of the suite's popular licensing flexibility. The last thing most of us want is another subscription, especially considering that many people fled to the Affinity Suite to escape Adobe's expensive subscription model. Many creatives are hoping for the best but fearing the worst.