Wall Street Journal Offers Hint Of Possible Change In Apple's 10.1 Pricing Plans

by , 5:30 PM EDT, September 14th, 2001

Walt Mossberg has written a preview of Mac OS X 10.1 for the Wall Street Journal that included a tidbit we found interesting. Mr. Mossberg suggests Apple may be planning on offering users a free way to upgrade to Mac OS X 10.1. Currently, Apple's official policy is that the Mac OS X 10.1 update is a free update, but that one can only get it via a three CD set that will carry a US$19.95 shipping and handling fee. Mr. Mossberg's comments include something that may indicate that Apple is working on alternative ways for Apple to distribute the update for free. From The Wall Street Journal:

Apple plans to start distributing version 10.1 this month. It will be built into new machines. People who currently use OS X can get the 10.1 upgrade free on CDs that will be available in some stores. For OS X users who want a CD sent via the mail, Apple will charge a handling fee of $19.95. Users of older Mac operating systems who want to upgrade to version 10.1 will be able to buy the new system for $129, the same price as the original version of OS X.

Apple has not yet responded to our requests for comment, but we will be offering a follow-up report when we do receive official comment. You can read the full article yourself at Yahoo!'s reprinting of the story.

The Mac Observer Spin:

Whether or not Mr. Mossberg's comments are truly a hint of a change in Apple's policy is impossible to say. Yet. Certainly Apple is more forthcoming with Mr. Mossberg due to the enormous influence he wields from his perch atop the Wall Street Journal's technology coverage, but it's possible that his comments here are incorrect or merely being misinterpreted. Apple will hopefully be making this clear for us shortly, but we will hope that Apple is in fact in the process of offering alternative ways of getting the update.

All of this aside, this article from Mr. Mossberg is a great bit of PR for Apple's Mac OS X. The preview fairly sings the praises of the new OS, and points out that Microsoft and other developers are readying Mac OS X versions of important Mac apps like Office for Mac.

Wall Street Journal Article