Popular third-party Twitter client Tweetbot received a notable update today with a handful of new features and a change in its business model. Tapbots says that Tweetbot 6 can be downloaded for free, with an in-app subscription available to unlock the core functionality of the app. The promise is that subscription prices will ensure regular updates in the future.
The people at MacStories was the first to discuss the release of Tweetbot 6 this afternoon. The version is a completely new application, so if you previously purchased Tweetbot, you will need to download the app from the App Store and sign up for the in-app subscription.
Subscription prices are fairly $ 0.99 per month or $ 5.99 per year, and subscription is required to have access to core functionality, including the ability to send tweets. Without the in-app subscription, Tweetbot is essentially a read-only Twitter client.
Unlike switching to subscriber pricing, Tweetbot 6 includes a handful of new features. There are some interface adjustments to the timeline, as well as support for the latest version of the Twitter API. The new Twitter API includes support for polls as well as maps.
Other changes and enhancements in Tweetbot 6 include three new app icons, new light and dark themes to choose from, dark mode enhancements, and support for Chrome and Firefox for opening URLs. As MacStories comments, the update also allows the use of other services for URL shortening, image upload and video.
As is the case when any app pops up the subscriptions, the promise is that the stability of the regular revenue that a subscription provides can help support long-term development. It is the job of the people at Tapbots to prove this value so time will tell. Ideally, Twitter will also continue to improve its API in the meantime.
Tweetbot 6 is available as a free download in the App Store, but again the in-app subscription is required to access core functionality of the social network. There is a free trial of one week. At this time, the subscription does not apply to the Mac version of the app.
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