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

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, Appleis 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. Mossbergis 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!is reprinting of the story.