Mac App Store vs. Direct: What's the Difference?
Understand the differences between FIPLAB apps purchased from the Mac App Store and directly from fiplab.com.
Two Ways to Get FIPLAB Apps
FIPLAB apps are available in two places:
- Mac App Store -- Downloaded and managed through Apple's App Store on your Mac.
- Direct (fiplab.com) -- Purchased and downloaded directly from fiplab.com.
For apps available in both places, both versions offer the same core features and functionality. However, there are a few differences worth knowing about.
Note: Some apps such as Battery Health 3 and Window Manager are only available as direct downloads from fiplab.com.
Key Differences
| Mac App Store | Direct (fiplab.com) | |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase & payment | Through your Apple Account | Via Paddle checkout |
| Updates | Delivered automatically through the App Store | Delivered through the app's built-in updater |
| License | Tied to your Apple Account | Tied to your license key / email |
| Version numbers | May differ from the direct version | May differ from the App Store version |
| Sandboxing | Fully sandboxed (Apple requirement) | May have fewer restrictions |
Why Are the Version Numbers Different?
The Mac App Store and direct versions are maintained as separate releases, each with their own versioning. This means the version numbers may not always match -- and that's perfectly normal. Both versions receive the same updates and improvements; they're just released through different pipelines.
How Will I Know When an Update Is Available?
- Mac App Store users: Updates appear in the App Store's Updates tab automatically. You can also enable automatic updates in your App Store settings.
- Direct users: The app will notify you in-app when a new version is available. Simply follow the prompt to download and install it.
Can I Switch Between Versions?
Purchases are not transferable between the Mac App Store and the direct version. If you bought the app on the App Store, you would need a separate purchase to use the direct version, and vice versa. If you have questions about this, feel free to contact us.