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1Password Developer Blames iOS 8 For App Price Change Confusion

The developer of one of the most popular iPhone apps reportedly blamed Apple for changing the price of its $10 app to "free." However, it later went on to blame the confusion over the impending update of Apple's mobile operating system: iOS 8.

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Multiple technology news sites posted reports Tuesday night saying that the No. 1 paid productivity app, 1Password, had gone free ahead of the release of iOS 8 on Thursday. This was exciting news, as the popular app helps keep passwords secure and makes it more difficult for hackers to gain access to online accounts. In the wake of the iCloud celebrity photo hack, it seemed like a godsend.

Agile Bits developer team
Agile Bits

But Agile Bits, the developer of the app, quickly denied that 1Password was free at all, instead saying that Apple had accidentally reduced the price to free. 

Twitter users sharing the news that the $10 app had suddenly gone free were contacted by the 1Password account to let them know that it was all just a big misunderstanding. 

1Password Twitter account screenshot
Twitter

In a statement to MacUser magazine, Agile Bits confirmed that the app was never reduced in price and that an error caused by Apple meant that it was available for free in many countries.

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Mac Rumors updated its original story on the app sale to report on a tweet from Agile Bits claiming that the app should never have been offered for free. Both that tweet, and the Mac Rumors article on 1Password's surprise sale, have now been deleted. 

However, despite initially blaming the price change on "funny things" happening in the App Store, Agile Bits contacted Business Insider to deny accusing Apple of any wrongdoing. Spokesperson David Chartier explained that everything would be "smoothed out" with the impending iOS 8 update, while refusing to answer questions about previous statements given by the company related to the new price.

Speculation had arisen over exactly what has caused the popular app to go free. Some users spotted that the app had been updated to include an in-app purchase, possibly integration with the iPhone's TouchID fingerprint sensor. Turning 1Password into a freemium app wouldn't be an unusual move, it already uses that revenue model on the Android App Store.

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