Releasing major versions as separate apps is actually desirable for a number of reasons:
• The users decide if and when they want to upgrade.
• If a trial for a newer version is available, users can try it out before upgrading.
• Users can keep older versions if they prefer the older UI etc. They’re not forced to like all and any major changes just to keep using the app. There’ve been plenty of [in]famous cases where people complained about new versions of popular apps and websites.
• Generally a predictable timeframe for yearly updates.
• Users don’t have to pay every month even when an app is getting no updates.
• Developers are not under any pressure to release updates for the sake of updating to justify a monthly subscription.
Subscription-based software generally loses some or all of these advantages. Subscription-based apps seem to favor developers more than users. Greedy developers, in my unsugarcoated opinion.
I believe some apps have done that by requiring some sort of proof of purchase for an older version, and maybe paying the developers directly at a discount, who then prove the user with a code to redeem on the App Store.
