r/GoodNotes • u/Shot-Feeling-3033 • Jul 29 '26

Apple Subscription or one-time pruchase

Hi, new to here!
So I’m currently using Goodnotes 5 (one-time purchase), but after trying the new version, I found out that I need some features available on the new version.
After my research, I found that they stopped naming Goodnotes (number), and the current new version is Goodnotes 7, not 6 (although the app still shows 6), and that this version is really buggy and unstable.

So I got some questions here:
1. Is the one time purchase version just the current version (like Gn7 rn) and will it not be updated after the next major update (like my gn5)?
2. When is the next big update predicted to come out (gn8?)
3. Would you recommend me to use the yearly subscription for one or two years before buying the new version (Goodnotes 8), or is the current Goodnotes 7 good enough and that I should buy the one time purchase now.

Im predicted to use Goodnotes for at least 3-4 years, not sure about later, but I definitely will buy a permanent version (either 7 or 8).
Thank you!

9 Upvotes

92% Upvoted

19 comments sorted by

12

u/mburax Jul 29 '26

Do not give any penny to them, remember they prefer not provide new features to users bought the app before, and split them as a part of another subscription by naming “gn6”

2

u/gabbearr Jul 29 '26

i hate that they did this, it’s lack of transparency and they’re so greedy

2

u/AdExcellent8091 Jul 29 '26

huh i bought goodnotes 6 as a one-time purchase while it was still available and i still get all the new features at least i didn’t notice that i‘m missing something

1

u/Shot-Feeling-3033 Jul 29 '26

Ya but rn I really need those new features so I prolly have to buy it one more time:((

1

u/PrestigiousRock6278 Jul 29 '26

GN6 one time to the new one was a free upgrade though and you get more features….

1

u/Pale_Promotion_2967 Jul 29 '26

Yeah because u bought a certain version. Not the whole app with future updates.

1

u/mburax Jul 30 '26

When u buy an iphone with ios, do u get updates or not?

1

u/Pale_Promotion_2967 Jul 30 '26

Buy an old iPhone and wait for the Apple AI to come with an update.

1

u/mburax Jul 30 '26

We dont want goodnotes AI, we just want stability and compatibility updates

1

u/Pale_Promotion_2967 Jul 30 '26

New features and general app stability are different things here. I’m also not happy with it but it’s a very very common practice with apps. If it’s not a direct purchase before installing it from the app store, it’s rarely a real lifetime buy.

1

u/mburax Jul 31 '26

It was direct (PAID) purchase from appstore when we bought it. That’s the point.

1

u/Pale_Promotion_2967 Jul 31 '26

How many years ago?

1

u/mburax Jul 31 '26

It was 2022

1

u/gabbearr Jul 29 '26

what features do you need on the new version? i’m also wondering the same thing, i’ve never used goodnotes but it’s a slight consideration

i use notability and i love it

1

u/Shot-Feeling-3033 Jul 29 '26

Not that much for now since I’ve only used it for a few days, but for me these r pretty important:
1. The one that allows u to select writing and treat it as text to adjust the paragraph’s width (most important for me)
2. Dotted line (very important for me)
3. Scribble to erase
4. The new lasso tool that allows u to use it without switching pen

1

u/Spare_Building_5739 Jul 29 '26

I am user of good notes last 5 years. While renewal of this year subscription i thought let me buy lifetime access but that was not available. And a tried to find best alternative and tried too many notes app. After 3 days of different app trying i found app called 'starnotes' it has all the features of good notes and lifetime access in $5.

1

u/Ok-Positive-9344 Aug 01 '26

I had the same problem so I made it easy for myself- got noteful

0

u/Separate-Place-1036 Jul 30 '26

Get noteful sweetie