Are there any differences in the versions downloaded from the Affinity website or Apple Store

[pburki]

Hello,

Are there any differences in the Affinity products downloaded directly from the Affinity website or those downloaded from the Apple Store? Generally, I like downloading apps from the Apple Store, since this facilitates update.

Thanks

Philippe

[thomaso]

Concerning the app usage, the app interface & features, they don't differ but may vary in the (hidden) background in the way files get stored within the macOS folder structure. But there are some differences, simply caused by the fact that Apple has more influence on your computer via its Apple operating system.

Besides some technical differences concerning download & (auto-)update* processes of a current app version a difference could become the different contract partners. Purchasing from Serif means to purchase from the company who develops the app while Apple, respectively their App Store, works rather like a dealer only. Since Apple does not share their client's data their is a strict separation between an app purchased from Serif versus one via and Apple. This can become relevant in the case of legal issues.
(* macOS / Apple can feel annoying by its pop-up messages about available updates even if deactivated. Affinity doesn't do any unless the option is selected.)

An installation from a Serif download requires a serial number, which does not exist in downloads from Apple which get handled by the purchase + your Apple ID. If you loose your ID or your access to the Apple App Store or if you move with your ID to a different country (with possibly different laws) then it may get tricky. This forum has a few reports which point to such problems and an inability to download earlier versions than the current V2, although they have been purchased before.

In the Apple Store it appears that downloads of a specific earlier app version may become complex (or impossible?). Compare this post about older apps for iOS / iPad (not macOS): https://discussions.apple.com/thread/253353033?&previousThread=252798224021

Different to Apple, Serif simply lists all previous app versions in your Serif / Affinity account for download & installation.

[walt.farrell]

Purchases from the Apple Store may be subject to some "sandboxing" restrictions applied by macOS, which would not affect applications purchased from Serif.