1password1Password has restored the option for customers who originally purchased its iOS app to create a local vault during setup, after users queued up online to voice their frustrations with the fact that the option was silently removed in an update.

The Canadian password management service caused a string of complaints on Reddit and elsewhere earlier this month when a v7.3.3 update to the 1Password iOS app removed the free-to-use local vault option from the app setup process without alerting users to the change.

Withdrawing the option meant that users who reinstalled the iOS app for whatever reason could no longer configure a local vault on their device, even if they'd paid an upfront fee for the app or bought the Pro in-app purchase in the past for exactly this purpose.

The change meant that users looking to maintain local vaults on iPhone or iPad had to either pay for a 1Password membership, or sync their iOS device with a standalone vault created by 1Password for Mac or 1Password Windows – both of which require a subscription.

The good news is that 1Password has listened to user feedback, and the latest update, v7.3.4, restores the ability to create standalone vaults from setup to customers who had previously purchased 1Password 4 for iOS or the Pro Features in-app purchase.

However, for new users at least, there's no longer any way to use the password management service without subscribing to a paid plan.

Top Rated Comments

maflynn Avatar
84 months ago
I purchased the version of 1Password that offered multi platform support, windows, mac and I had the iOS version (I forget if I paid for that or not). The move to a subscription based model, meant I was never going to upgrade. Not strictly because of this, but other factors, have made me re-think my decision to keep using what amounts to an unsupported version.

In short, instead of supporting the older customers, they're driving them away - at least they are for me.
Score: 31 Votes (Like | Disagree)
maflynn Avatar
84 months ago
I was waiting for 1Password to force older existing customers to the subscription model. They've back tracked for now, but the writing is on the wall, they want you on their subscription model
Score: 28 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Azeroth1 Avatar
84 months ago
Subscription models are the worst thing to ever happen to software.
Score: 23 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Heineken Avatar
84 months ago
Subscriptions are evil.
Score: 22 Votes (Like | Disagree)
RightMACatU Avatar
84 months ago
Forced membership = me going back to a paper notebook, seriously.

And membership-sellers have to stop saying "it's only the equivalent of one coffee per ...".
Between all the subscriptions out there, this is turning into "the equivalent of a car payment per..." (Ok maybe a bit much, but u get it :p)
Score: 19 Votes (Like | Disagree)
GermanSuplex Avatar
84 months ago
Used this app for years. I'll gladly pay flat fees each year or so for upgrades, but I am not signing up for subscriptions. Beyond my bills at home and Netflix and Apple Music, that's it. I know companies need money to continue development, but I need money too. If the day comes when they take away a flat-fee local vault, I will move to something else.
Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)

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