In 2025, many users noticed a decline in the usability of freemium apps, leading them towards paid plans. Apps like Duolingo, Evernote, and CapCut have reduced free services, pressuring users to consider subscriptions.
Freemium Limitations Grow
Key apps have altered their offerings: Duolingo now limits lessons via an energy system; CapCut restricts popular edit features like captions and watermark-free exports; Evernote confines free accounts to one device; Medisafe allows tracking for only two medications; pet-health apps often limit to one pet without payment.
- Duolingo: Lesson limits with energy system
- CapCut: Previously free features now locked
- Evernote: Once free multi-device access now restricted
- Medisafe: Limited medication tracking
Disclosure and Options
The transparency in app stores about in-app purchases is lacking. While some apps, like Health Sync and Pushover, disclose pricing and offer trials, others delay reveal until users reach limits.
To mitigate frustration, developers could improve transparency about limitations and better localize pricing. This approach could help users make informed decisions without surprise expenses.
