In early 2022, Blink Shell 15 launched as a new app with a freemium model. All features (including the new VS Code integration) were available for free, but with periodic “nag” screens encouraging a subscription (Reddit). Developer Carlos Cabanero clarified that: “All the versions have all the features. The free version displays subscription nags spaced in time.” Meanwhile, a “Blink Classic” tier (grandfathered license) was created for users who had purchased the previous Blink app (v14) – allowing them to continue using all current and future features of the new app without time limits (Reddit). This was meant as a thank-you to loyal users, ensuring they weren’t forced into a new payment. However, Classic users would not get forthcoming cloud services (like Blink Build) that require server infrastructure (Reddit). New users could subscribe to Blink Plus (annual plan) to remove the nags and support development, but at launch there was “no distinction between Classic and Plus” until those cloud services rolled out (Reddit).
The initial freemium approach aimed to keep the app accessible while financing development through subscriptions. The Blink team explicitly wanted to avoid a “software hostage” scenario – noting that Blink is open source from inception, so anyone can build it themselves if needed (Reddit). They also considered alternative models (like one-time purchases for a year of updates) but felt those would complicate version tracking given frequent releases (Reddit). Thus, a straightforward subscription was chosen: “Blink is a professional-grade application... we now provide Blink+ under an annual plan…[which] assists us in funding our costly development efforts” (FAQ). The open-source nature was highlighted as a safety net: “Blink is Open Source since its inception… building the app yourself [ensures] you’ll always have access” (FAQ). In summary, the freemium model was introduced to lower the entry barrier (free full-featured use with nags) while encouraging paid subscriptions for sustainability.
The metered freemium model was phased out in 2023 due to negative user experience. The team acknowledged that the nag-based paywall was “perceived as a bad experience” (FAQ). Users found the myriad of plans confusing or even felt misled. One early adopter noted “the various plans come across as a mess, and feels like a trap… free people get all features, so a v14 user not subscribing gets the least… hard to tell [it’s not a scam]” (Reddit). In response to such feedback, Blink’s developer agreed the messaging needed improvement (Reddit). By mid-2023, the freemium-with-nags was replaced by a 14-day free trial of the full app, after which an annual subscription is required (FAQ). The official FAQ states: “Our previous Freemium was phased out in 2023 as the metered paywall was perceived as a bad experience… With the [14-day] trial, we can focus on providing the best experience and support for those who are committed” (FAQ). In practice, this meant new users must subscribe after the trial period; there is no longer an indefinite free tier (outside of special community/test builds). The App Store listing was updated to prominently say “Start your 14-day free trial now!”, reflecting the new model (App Store).
As of 2024, Blink Shell is free to download with a 2-week trial of all features, then Blink+ subscription at ~$19.99/year is required (Site; Site). The one-time purchase option has been discontinued (no “perpetual” license) (FAQ). The developers justify the subscription by noting the app’s ongoing 7+ years of evolution and the need to fund continuous updates for new iOS versions (FAQ). They do not offer monthly billing for Blink+ to keep things simple and cost-effective for users (one annual charge) (FAQ; GitHub). In parallel, the Blink Classic grandfather period ended in April 2023 – after ~1.5 years, the migration was closed (FAQ). (Classic users who redeemed that offer can still use the app features they had, but won’t receive new features introduced later (FAQ).) Blink also continues to run a Community Edition (TestFlight) with limited seats for those willing to help test and give feedback, which provides free access as long as participants contribute (FAQ).
In summary, user experience concerns (confusion and frustration with the nag-limited freemium) drove Blink Shell to move to a time-limited trial model (FAQ). This ensures that free users get a full taste of the app without crippled functionality, and only committed users become paying subscribers. Business-wise, the shift secures more predictable revenue (annual subscriptions) to sustain development (FAQ). The developers publicly emphasized that Blink is a “professional” tool worth paying for, and that charging for it makes users “value our work” and feel justified in requesting support (FAQ). At the same time, they reconcile this with their open-source ethos by offering the source code and community builds for those who cannot pay (FAQ; Reddit).
Starting with Blink Shell v18.2 (2025), the app’s code introduced a new entitlements structure to manage feature gating and paywall logic. Internally, an EntitlementsManager class determines the user’s CustomerTier (e.g., Free, Plus, Classic, TestFlight) based on build flags and purchase status (GitHub Issue #2158). For example, when the app is built in Release mode for TestFlight, a compile-time flag BLINK_PUBLISHING_OPTION_TESTFLIGHT is set, and the EntitlementsManager assigns the tier .TestFlight – bypassing the paywall screen for that build (GitHub Issue #2158). This allows the developers to distribute a fully unlocked app to TestFlight beta users or community testers without requiring a subscription.
However, a Developer build tier was not initially accounted for. After v18.2’s release, open-source contributors who compiled Blink from source noticed that their self-built app would launch into an unskippable paywall screen (GitHub Issue #2158). This happened because only App Store purchases or TestFlight builds were given entitlement to run without subscribing. A GitHub issue raised in September 2025 describes the bug: “On recent versions (starting with the new paywall and entitlements structure in 18.2), after building the app, developers will be met with a paywall screen that cannot be bypassed… When set to Release, BLINK_PUBLISHING_OPTION_TESTFLIGHT [is set]… The EntitlementsManager checks for this and sets CustomerTier of .TestFlight. However, EntitlementsManager is missing similar logic for BLINK_PUBLISHING_OPTION_DEVELOPER.” (GitHub Issue #2158). The contributor suggests adding a CustomerTier.Developer or equivalent flag to designate source builds that should run without a subscription prompt (GitHub Issue #2158).
The maintainers have not yet documented an official dev mode bypass, but the issue indicates they may add one or clarify build instructions (GitHub Issue #2158). As a temporary workaround, community builders found that compiling with the TestFlight flag (mimicking a beta build) avoids the paywall (GitHub Issue #2158). This technical gating ensures that the App Store binary enforces the trial/subscription, while still allowing authorized non-Store builds (like TestFlight or potentially a future Developer tier) to run unhindered. It’s effectively an honor-system approach to open source: the source is open, but running the app easily without paying requires either joining the official community program or modifying build flags.
Beyond compile-time flags, other feature entitlements have been implemented. Specific premium features are conditionally available based on tier. For instance, “Snips” (snippets tool) was introduced as a Blink Plus-only feature – if the app detects the user is on Classic (grandfathered) tier, the Snips UI is hidden (GitHub Discussion #2074). A maintainer confirmed: “Snips are a Blink Plus feature, and it is not included within Blink Classic… Blink Classic has all the features from the previous Blink… but we cannot guarantee access to new features.” (GitHub Discussion #2074). This gating is likely handled in code by checking the CustomerTier at runtime before enabling certain UI or functionality. Other cloud-dependent features (like starting a Blink Build VM) presumably check for an active Build subscription.
The In-App Purchase (IAP) system is used for Blink+ and Blink Build subscriptions. Initially, Blink Plus was offered in both monthly and annual plans, but by 2024 the focus is on an annual plan (~$19.99) (GitHub Discussion #2074). The code would verify IAP receipts to set CustomerTier = .Plus (subscriber) or revert to trial/expired state triggering the paywall. Similarly, a separate IAP SKU exists for Blink Build service, which the app checks before allowing usage of the cloud VM integration (App Store). In the App Store description, Blink Build is clearly marked: “Blink Build (Requires a $7.99/month subscription) – Creates remote runtimes… Blink Build requires a separate subscription to make use of our Virtual Machines.” (App Store). This suggests the app differentiates entitlements such that a user could subscribe to Plus (for app features) without subscribing to Build (the cloud service), or vice versa. In practice, Blink Plus is required to use the core app beyond trial, and Blink Build is an optional add-on if one needs the hosted VMs.
In summary, as of v18.x the tier logic is baked into Blink’s code to enforce the business model: the app checks whether it’s running as a paid App Store build (then enforces trial/paywall if no subscription), a TestFlight/community build (unlocked tier), or (in the future) a developer-compiled build (likely to be unlocked once that pathway is implemented) (GitHub Issue #2158). Premium features are toggled on/off by these entitlements at runtime. The community has insight into this implementation thanks to the open-source code, and has even proposed code changes to improve the developer experience (e.g., adding a Developer tier flag) (GitHub Issue #2158).
One intriguing aspect of Blink Shell is its duality as an open-source project (GPL-3.0 licensed) and a paid App Store product. The Blink team has addressed this directly in their communications. They assure users that Blink “has been Open Source since its inception,” encouraging technically inclined users that they “have the option to take control by building the app [from source] yourself” (FAQ). The GitHub repository (blinksh/blink) contains the full source code under GPL-3, meaning anyone can fork, modify, and compile their own Blink. This is how the developers reconcile charging money on the App Store: paying is optional in the sense that those who don’t want to pay can invest effort to compile the app independently.
However, in practice, the App Store binary includes features and services tied to subscriptions, creating a gap between the OSS code and the product. The official stance is that nothing is withheld from the open-source repo itself – all core functionality is there. For example, all terminal, SSH/Mosh, and local tools are present for anyone to build. The difference lies in services and distribution: features that rely on Blink’s cloud or require ongoing costs are gated to paying customers (Reddit). The developer noted in 2022 that “we are planning to release a bunch of services, including Build, and as those require our own infrastructure [they] will not be included [for free tiers]” (Reddit). This implies that while the client-side code for, say, spinning up a VM might be in the repo, access to Blink’s servers (or the API keys) requires a subscription. The GPL license does not forbid this – it covers the code, but the company is not obligated to provide their cloud resources for free.
There have been user questions about differences between the open-source build and the App Store version. One common concern: can the App Store version include proprietary or locked components on top of the GPL code? Blink’s approach has been to keep the code open, but use configuration flags to enforce subscription checks (as described above). There is no separate “closed-source” module; rather, the distribution on App Store carries a EULA and paywall, which is permissible. In essence, the binary is GPL-licensed code, but the service to enable it fully is commercial. This is somewhat analogous to open-source software offering paid binaries for convenience or added services.
The maintainers justify this as a fair trade-off: Users always retain freedom because the source is available if the company ever went under or they refuse to pay (FAQ). At the same time, the company can sustain development by charging those who prefer the ready-made app or premium cloud add-ons. They also foster a Community Edition: “We provide a Community version for those who wish to contribute… this version has limited seats and comes with certain expectations (testing, feedback)” (FAQ). This ensures even those who can’t pay can potentially get access by contributing time instead of money.
From a contributor perspective, the open-source nature means they can submit pull requests and improvements. But contributors have noted the friction introduced by the new paywall logic (as it complicates testing their builds without manually tweaking flags) (GitHub Issue #2158). Some have requested clearer build documentation for developers – e.g., how to compile Blink such that it runs as a “developer tier” app. The project’s BUILD guide mentions how to compile dependencies but doesn’t yet explicitly mention bypassing the paywall. This is an area of ongoing discussion (issue #2158) (GitHub Issue #2158).
In summary, Blink reconciles OSS and monetization by: (a) open-sourcing all of the code (GPL-3.0), (b) using a dual-distribution strategy (free code vs paid app), and (c) gating only the usage via subscriptions, especially for new cloud features. The maintainers argue this is mutually beneficial – users “own” the software in source form, and paying customers ensure the project’s viability (FAQ; FAQ). One user review in 2022 appreciated this balance: “their dedication to keeping the software open-source makes me more than happy to support this app… I’m not a fan of subscriptions, but I was happy to subscribe to help support future development” (App Store). On the other hand, some users without the means to compile have felt stuck: a 2023 reviewer lamented that after paying $20 for the old app, they have no way to keep using updated Blink without a subscription, since “as someone without a Mac to access Xcode, building from source isn’t an option… it feels like a pretty raw deal” (App Store; App Store). This highlights that while the license is OSS, the practical accessibility of the app still leans toward paying for most users (compiling iOS apps requires a Mac and some expertise).
| Aspect | Open-Source Repository (GitHub) | App Store Binary (Commercial) | Maintainers’ Justifications | Implications for Users/Contributors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Code Availability | 100% of Blink’s code is published under GPL-3.0 (FAQ). Anyone can fork and build. | Same codebase compiled and distributed via App Store (with IAP hooks). | “Blink is Open Source since its inception… build the app yourself if needed” (FAQ) – ensures user control. | Tech-savvy users can avoid paying by self-building. Contributors can audit and improve the code. |
| Core Features | All core terminal features (SSH, Mosh, CLI tools, UI) are present in source. | All core features included, but usage may be limited by trial/paywall if not subscribed. | Open sourcing core features builds trust and community input. No feature is hidden in code. | Non-paying users have theoretical access to all features via source. App delivers convenience (pre-built, signed). |
| Premium Features Gating | Premium features exist in code but are toggled by tier checks. E.g., Snips code is present, but inactive unless entitlement is Plus (GitHub Discussion #2074). | Premium features (Snips, etc.) active only for eligible tiers (subscribers or trial). Cloud service integration (Build) requires valid sub. | “Professional features” are paid to fund development. Classic (OSS build/old purchase) gets all local features, but not costly cloud services (Reddit). | Community devs can enable features by mimicking entitlements in dev builds. General users must subscribe to unlock these in the official app. |
| Subscription Enforcement | No built-in store/license server – developers running from Xcode initially got a full app. After v18.2, source builds trigger paywall unless flagged as TestFlight (GitHub Issue #2158). | In-app purchase system for Blink+ (annual) and Build (monthly). Paywall screen appears once trial ends if no subscription (GitHub Issue #2158). | Needed to ensure revenue: “annual plan helps fund costly development” (FAQ). Trial ensures good UX then paywall limits to committed users (FAQ). | Some friction for OSS builders (must apply special flags or await a “Developer” tier fix). End-users get a smoother trial→subscribe flow. |
| Distribution & Updates | Users must manually compile/deploy (Xcode; signing). Updates are manual. | Automatic updates via App Store (one-tap install). | Most users won’t build from source for each update – subscription seen as paying for convenience and support. | Contributors may maintain forks, but mainstream users stick to App Store for ease. Community Edition offers a free updated version if one actively tests (FAQ). |
| Community Contributions | Open repo allows pull requests. Community can suggest fixes (e.g., request for CustomerTier.Developer in code) (GitHub Issue #2158). |
App is closed for direct code changes, but community feedback is taken via GitHub/Reddit. | Maintainers encourage OSS contributions and provide free Community slots as a reward (FAQ). | Active contributors can influence the app and get early access. Casual users benefit from community-driven improvements funded by subscribers. |
Table: Reconciling Blink’s open-source license with its subscription-based distribution, as communicated by the Blink Shell team and community.
When Blink Shell transitioned from a free-with-nags model to a time-limited trial, some users expressed confusion and felt misled. In early stages (2022), Blink was advertised as a free download and indeed allowed free usage, but later communications emphasized the free trial. On Reddit, users coming back to the app after some time were caught off guard: “I paid $30.99 4 years ago… Now I really need it, and it doesn’t work?!… I feel like this really is a scam from the Blink devs. By replacing the old app with the paid app… they have stolen $30 from me :(” (Reddit thread). This reflects a perception of bait-and-switch – the original paid app was effectively upgraded into a subscription app, leaving some earlier customers feeling short-changed. Another user compared it to GoodNotes’ model where old versions remain available, implying Blink should have launched a separate app instead of updating the old one into a paywalled version (Reddit thread).
In mid-2023, as the free trial model took hold, reviews on the App Store noted there “isn’t a free option or a one-time purchase option,” which “makes it hard to recommend to interested friends or colleagues” (App Store reviews). The messaging “free trial” was clear on the store, but some still expected a basic free tier. The Blink team’s FAQ now explicitly states there is no freemium version, only a trial and then paid plan (FAQ), likely to set expectations.
The annual price (~$20/year) drew mixed reactions. Many professional users find it reasonable or even a bargain for a critical app. One Redditor wrote “I’ll support you as long as the subscription costs are reasonable” (Reddit). A satisfied App Store reviewer from 2022 said “The price is well worth it for many reasons… The v15 update adding VSCode integration is wicked cool… support from the developer is top-notch.” (App Store; App Store). They appreciated that after purchasing Blink (or subscribing), they got continuous improvements and quick issue responses.
On the flip side, some users simply dislike subscriptions on principle. A reviewer in Jan 2024 loved Blink’s functionality but stated: “My one issue is with the recurring subscription model… I’d happily pay $5–10 per device [one-time]. It’s hard to recommend… when there isn’t a free option or a one-time purchase. Thankfully, I was grandfathered into Blink Legacy… Please bring one-time purchases back!” (App Store). This shows a segment of users who value perpetual licenses and feel alienated by subscriptions, even if $20/year is not expensive. The Blink team has so far held firm that subscriptions are necessary for ongoing support and do not offer lifetime licenses (FAQ).
There’s also the question of Blink Build pricing. Blink Build is $7.99/month (for cloud VM access) on top of the base subscription. Some Reddit discussion around version 16.x noted confusion: “Apparently the subscription includes ‘and services’ without any indication of what those services are (I do not want to pay for Blink Build)… This seems… bewildering.” The developer responded clarifying that at launch there were no additional services yet, and when Build launched it would be separate (Reddit). Once Build did launch, users had mixed responses – serious developers who needed a cloud dev environment might pay for it, but casual users didn’t see the need. The tiered pricing (Blink+ vs Build) added complexity that some found hard to parse initially.
A recurring theme in user feedback from 2022–2023 was that early supporters felt a bit betrayed. For instance, a user who bought Blink for $20 in the past wrote in Nov 2023: “It’s frustrating to find that to continue using the app I’d have to shell out a monthly subscription… the devs suggest continuing to use the old version unsupported, or build from source… however, the old version isn’t rendering properly on my iPad anymore, and I don’t have a Mac to build from source either… it feels like a pretty raw deal.” (App Store; App Store). This illustrates the pain point for legacy customers: their purchased app became outdated or was replaced, and the alternatives (sticking on an old iOS-incompatible version or compiling themselves) were not viable for many. Some accused Blink of effectively double-charging. The developers tried to mitigate this with the lengthy Classic grace period and by explicitly allowing old purchases to unlock “Blink Classic” mode for free (Reddit; FAQ). Earlier in the transition (circa 2022), one commenter noted you could use “Restore Purchase” in the new app to get the legacy version features if you had paid before (Reddit). But since that offer expired in 2023, new complaints emerged when previously inactive users returned and discovered they missed the window (Reddit).
Among those who did subscribe, feedback on the value of Blink+ was largely positive regarding functionality. Users praised features like persistent Mosh sessions, the new Blink Code editor, and frequent updates. The only negativity about Blink+ itself was the lack of a one-time buy option as mentioned. No significant complaints were raised about performance or features being paywalled unnecessarily; most agreed the advanced features are indeed “pro” features worth paying for if you need them. The subscription also covers cross-device use (one sub on multiple iOS devices), which was seen as a plus. The Blink team even ran a Student Discount campaign (Back to School 2024) offering 75% off a year of Blink+ for eligible students/educators (FAQ; FAQ), indicating responsiveness to accessibility.
The Community (TestFlight) edition was Blink’s answer for those who can’t afford it. Some users on Reddit have noted that joining the TestFlight was an option, though the seats are limited. There isn’t a lot of public feedback on this, likely because participants deal directly with the team. However, it serves as a pressure-release valve for criticism: the developer frequently points out that “the free version will have every feature too… our Community Version is still fully open and free for everyone who just registers. And we give students, professors, and other open source contributors free licenses too.” (Reddit). This emphasizes that the barrier to entry is low if one is willing to either compile, test, or otherwise engage.
In conclusion, user sentiment evolved over this period: Initial excitement for a free Blink 15 (with some confusion on tiers) gave way to irritation from a subset who felt “tricked” into a subscription model, and finally a grudging acceptance once the free trial model was in place (with a remaining chorus wishing for one-time purchases). Professional users generally continue to laud Blink for its capabilities and seem willing to pay for a tool integral to their workflow, while more casual or infrequent users are the ones who chafe at having to subscribe for something they use rarely. The Blink team’s communication, especially via FAQ and forums, has tried to address these concerns by underlining open-source transparency, offering community/testing paths, and justifying the subscription as vital for the app’s longevity (FAQ; Reddit).
- 2020 (Prior model): Blink Shell was a paid app ($20 one-time) on iOS. No subscriptions – users bought version 14.x outright. (As referenced by users who “paid $20/$30 a few years ago”) (App Store).
- 2021–2022 (Blink 15 launch): Feb 2022 (approx) – Blink Shell 15 released as a new free app with optional subscription. All features became free to use with periodic paywall nags. Blink Plus annual subscription introduced (around $20/year) for new users to support development (no functional difference yet) (Reddit; Reddit). Blink Classic mode offered to existing paid users, allowing them to migrate to the new app and retain full feature access without subscribing (Reddit).
- Late 2022: Blink Code (VSCode integration) and other features roll out to all users. Blink Build service is announced and enters testing. Developers hint that Blink Build will require a separate subscription due to server costs (Reddit). Pricing for Build is discussed (initially ~$7.99/month for Plus subscribers) (App Store).
- 2023 April: The “Blink Classic” grandfather period ends (April 2023) – after this date, users who hadn’t redeemed the free transition must subscribe to use the new app (FAQ). Blink Classic users from before can keep using their unlocked version but won’t get new features going forward (FAQ).
- 2023 Mid-year: The Freemium model is officially discontinued. Blink Shell’s FAQ states: “Previous Freemium was phased out in 2023 as the metered paywall was perceived as a bad experience.” Blink moves to a 14-day free trial model for Blink+ (all features available during trial, then subscription required) (FAQ). The App Store description begins highlighting the “14-day free trial” to set user expectations (App Store).
- 2023 Late: Blink Shell 17 releases with various improvements. User feedback on the subscription model peaks — some App Store reviews criticize the removal of the free tier and lack of one-time purchase, while others praise the app but note the subscription as a downside (App Store). Blink Shell Inc. reiterates the open-source availability and offers discounts (e.g., student 75% off promotion in late 2024) to mitigate complaints (FAQ; FAQ).
- 2024: Blink Shell 18 series begins. Blink+ remains ~$19.99/year and Blink Build cloud VM subscription at $7.99/mo continues to be offered to power users (App Store). The app positions itself as a pro tool with ongoing subscription funding development. By early 2024, Blink Shell reaches ~3.8★ rating, with most negative feedback related to the subscription requirement (App Store).
- 2025 (Technical update): In September 2025, version 18.2 introduces a new Entitlements system to handle tiers and paywall.
CustomerTierlogic inadvertently prevents open-source developers from running compiled builds without a subscription, leading to GitHub issues (#2158, #2162) requesting a developer bypass (GitHub Issue #2158). Maintainers consider adding a Developer tier flag to restore expected behavior for self-builds (GitHub Issue #2158). - Oct 2025: Blink Shell 18.4.1 is released (minor update) while the team readies a “new big version” of Blink (possibly v19) (App Store). Announcements hint at significant upcoming changes, but the subscription/trial model is expected to continue. The Blink Shell community remains active on Discord, Reddit, and GitHub, shaping the app’s future features and business approach.
Timeline references: Blink Shell FAQ and documentation for official dates (FAQ; FAQ); Reddit posts by Blink’s developer for context (Reddit; Reddit); App Store notes and user feedback for timing of trial introduction (App Store; App Store).
Over the years, Blink Shell’s offerings were divided into distinct tiers/plans. Below is a breakdown of each tier, their benefits, pricing, and changes over time:
- What it was: A one-time purchase license for users who bought Blink Shell before the subscription model. After Blink 15’s release, those users were grandfathered into the new app as “Classic” users (Reddit).
- Features: Classic includes all features of the old Blink (v14) and continued to receive all new features until April 2023. Classic users did not initially miss out on anything; as the dev said, “Blink Classic provides all current and future features, exactly as we have been doing… without time limitations.” (Reddit). However, as new premium features emerged, Classic was limited: e.g., the Snips feature is not included in Classic (it’s Plus-only) (GitHub Discussion #2074). Also, any cloud services (Blink Build) requiring server costs were not included for Classic users (Reddit).
- Price: Essentially free for those who already paid previously (no additional cost).
- Availability: The Classic transition path was offered for ~1.5 years and closed in April 2023 (FAQ). After that, no new Classic licenses exist (one either subscribes or sticks to an old version). Classic users can keep using the app without subscription, but they will not get newer Plus features introduced after the cutoff (GitHub Issue #2158).
- What it is: The primary paid plan for Blink Shell from 2022 onward.
- Features: Blink+ unlocks all app features and entitles the user to ongoing updates. It includes everything from terminal functionality to new additions like Blink Code (VSCode integration) and other “pro” features (like Snips, multi-device sync, etc.). Essentially, Plus is the full Blink Shell experience. It also is slated to include any future online features that the base app might integrate (as of 2022, Carlos noted “Plus includes all features and the future services” (Reddit)).
- Price: Initially, Blink+ was offered in monthly or annual options (e.g., $1.99/month or $19.99/year, though the team encouraged the annual plan) (GitHub Discussion #2074). By 2023–2024, they emphasized a single annual price ~ $19.99/year (roughly $1.67/month) and did not offer recurring monthly plans (GitHub Discussion #2074). This annual subscription has remained around that price through 2025.
- Changes: Blink+ was introduced with Blink 15 (2022) when no extra services were live, so subscribing mainly removed nags and supported development (Reddit). Once trial replaced freemium (2023), Blink+ became mandatory after 14 days to continue using the app at all (FAQ). Thus, Blink+ effectively shifted from “pro upgrade” to “core requirement” for prolonged use (aside from Community edition). The value of Plus increased over time as more features (like the code editor, UI enhancements, etc.) were added exclusively to Blink’s latest version.
- What it is: A separate service/tier introduced around Blink v16 (late 2022/early 2023) to provide cloud development environments.
- Features: Allows users to create remote Linux virtual machines (“virtual runtime”) on Blink’s servers, accessible from the app on any device (App Store). Useful for development, CI/CD, or running programs the iPad can’t natively.
- Integration: Build integrates with Blink Shell/Code, so you can seamlessly use the remote environment.
- Subscription: Blink Build requires its own subscription on top of Blink+. App Store description/notes cite ~$7.99 per month (App Store). Some threads mention discounts or combined pricing for Plus users, but officially it’s a monthly service fee. The developer explained that this fee covers infrastructure costs of running the VMs (Reddit).
- Relationship to other tiers: You likely must be a Blink+ user to even use Build (since Build is accessed through the app which after trial requires Plus anyway). Initially, to not overburden users who only needed the terminal, Build was kept optional: “adding Blink Build separately is cheaper… $7.99/month for Blink+ users” (Reddit).
- Changes: Gradually rolled out; by 2025 it’s a stable offering. No one-time purchase option exists (since it’s tied to server usage). Build is not included in Blink Classic (legacy buyers would have to subscribe to Build if they want to use it) (Reddit).
- What it is: A no-cost TestFlight-based tier intended for contributors and testers.
- Features: Essentially the same app as Blink+ (full features enabled, often pre-release features) distributed via Apple’s TestFlight. Users can use Blink without paying, but are expected to provide feedback, help test new features, and report bugs (FAQ).
- Limitations: Seats are limited – sign up (community.blink.sh) and wait for an invite when slots open (FAQ; FAQ). TestFlight builds expire every 90 days if not updated, so Community users must continuously update to new betas.
- Price: Free (the “cost” is your time/feedback).
- History: Mentioned in the FAQ in context of TestFlight and “certain expectations” (FAQ). It has run in parallel since the subscription model began. The Community Edition ensures Blink can maintain an open culture despite a paywall on the App Store, by involving open-source enthusiasts directly. It’s effectively the developer/OSS tier until an official “Developer Mode” build toggle is implemented.
Each of these tiers serves a different segment: Classic for legacy supporters (now phased out); Plus for regular users/professionals; Build for power users needing cloud compute; and Community for those who contribute instead of pay. The team tries to keep the core experience uniform (e.g., not crippling the free/trial version except time-wise). During the freemium era, free users actually had the same features as Plus, just with nags and eventually usage limits (Reddit). Now trial users likewise get a full feature taste. This strategy underlines their confidence that once users see Blink’s full power, many will choose to subscribe. The sustainability of these tiers is a balance: as one user put it, “I hope the subscription stays reasonable so I can support you as long as possible” (Reddit).
- Reddit — Blink Shell is now FREE, and comes with VSCode integration!!: https://www.reddit.com/r/BlinkShell/comments/sq3zur/blink_shell_is_now_free_and_comes_with_vscode/
- Reddit — It’s been a few years, app doesn’t work and requires a subscription?: https://www.reddit.com/r/BlinkShell/comments/1kjtgus/its_been_a_few_years_app_doesnt_work_and_requires/
- GitHub Issue #2158 — Missing paywall bypass for developer: blinksh/blink#2158
- GitHub Discussion #2074 — No Snips on Blink (Classic Plan): blinksh/blink#2074
- Blink Shell FAQ: https://docs.blink.sh/faq
- Blink official site (Packages): https://blink.sh/#choose-package
- App Store – Blink Shell, Build & Code: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/blink-shell-build-code/id1594898306