Apple makes iWork suite free for new iOS devices

At the iPhone launch event last night, Apple announced that it will be giving away the iWork suite of mobile productivity apps for free for iOS devices. The catch is that you must purchase a new iOS device to get it for no cost at all.

Apple CEO Tim Cook announced that the iWork suite of apps that encompasses Keynotes, Pages, Numbers, iMovie and iPhoto will be made available for free. There was no word about GarageBand, so it can be safely assumed that the service will not be available for free.

Free for every new iOS device purchase

“We think that iWork is a really key advantage for our customers’ productivity, and iPhoto and iMovie are great for their creativity,” said Cook. “Almost all of our customers want these apps.” The apps going free will save users a good amount of money. While iMovie and iPhoto usually costs Rs 270 each, Pages, Keynote and Numbers cost Rs 550 each.

More from News & Analysis

What is the US HIRE Bill and why is India’s $250-billion IT sector worried? Is the internet dead? What's this theory that OpenAI's Sam Altman says might be true?

With the purchase of a new iOS device, users will stand to save around Rs 2,100 in all. iOS users who have shied away from third-party apps for photo editing and office use will be delighted to get the iWork suite for free with their new iPhones and iPads, and it could very well be a selling point for new iOS devices. You can avail of this offer if you now purchase a new iPad, iPhone, or fifth-generation iPod Touch. So iOS users finally have an Apple-backed alternative to boost their productivity.