The Adobe Creative Cloud All Apps plan is set to be discontinued, leaving subscribers with limited alternatives. The newly introduced plans emphasize large AI capabilities, reflecting Adobe’s commitment to expanding its AI features in the future.
Introduction of the Creative Cloud Pro Plan
On May 15, 2025, Adobe launched its Creative Cloud Pro plan, which is set to be accessible to both new and existing subscribers in North America starting June 17, 2025. This Pro plan encompasses all of Adobe’s offerings for creative individuals, featuring more than 20 desktop applications like Photoshop, Illustrator, and Premiere Pro. Additionally, it includes mobile premium plans and web-based versions of these applications.
Among the notable updates is the introduction of Photoshop for mobile users, which debuted in March 2025. This new capability comes with its own distinct Mobile and Web Photoshop plan, complicating the existing array of Adobe subscription options.
Focus on Generative AI Capabilities
The defining feature of the Pro plan is its extensive focus on generative AI functionalities. Subscribers will enjoy an unlimited number of generative AI credits across the entire suite, an increase from the previous monthly allowance of 1,000 credits available to All Apps plan users.
This transition to the Pro plan will occur automatically on June 17, 2025, impacting users in the United States, Canada, and Mexico initially, with potential expansion to other countries later.
The cost of the Creative Cloud Pro plan is set at $69.99 per month for individual users, representing an increase of $10 compared to the existing All Apps plan.
Implications for Current Subscribers
If you are currently a subscriber to the Adobe Creative Cloud All Apps plan, the move to the Creative Cloud Pro plan will directly affect your subscription. Existing subscribers will see an automatic upgrade to the Pro plan on June 17, resulting in a price increase unless alternative action is taken.
While the switch to the Pro plan is mandatory and elevates costs, subscribers do have the option to downgrade to a new Creative Cloud Standard plan. This Standard plan is priced at $54.99 per month—offering a $5 reduction compared to the All Apps subscription—but it also removes some features and capabilities.
Exploring Your Options
In summary, Adobe subscribers will face three main choices:
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Transition to the Pro Plan: This option comes with a higher cost but offers similar features to the All Apps plan, plus additional generative AI credits valuable for those heavily utilizing AI tools.
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Downgrade to the Standard Plan: This option presents a slight cost reduction, but subscribers will lose access to various premium features inherent to the All Apps plan, including some Adobe mobile applications.
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Switch to Alternative Software: If the changes are unappealing, you may consider moving to other software solutions.
Limitations of the Creative Cloud Standard Plan
Choosing to move to the Creative Cloud Standard plan may seem appealing due to its lower monthly fee. However, this plan represents a compromise, as it costs $54.99 a month, which still remains relatively high.
Subscribers to the Standard plan will forfeit access to many premium features in Adobe’s mobile applications, including those for Adobe Express, Lightroom Mobile, and Photoshop Mobile. Interestingly, Adobe Acrobat is fully accessible from both web and mobile platforms within this plan, although its AI features necessitate a separate subscription.
Moreover, the Standard plan significantly limits access to generative AI features across Adobe’s tools. It permits only 25 credits per month, a stark reduction from the 1,000 credits available under the All Apps plan. These credits can only be utilized for Photoshop and Illustrator, leaving out more advanced AI tools like the Firefly features for generative video or audio, which remain exclusive to Pro users.
Weighing the Pros and Cons
Ultimately, the question remains: Is saving $5 on the Standard plan worth relinquishing 975 AI credits and various premium features available in Adobe’s mobile applications? Many users may find this trade-off undesirable.
Time for a Decision
Adobe frequently undertakes significant changes that can create a challenging environment for users balancing cost and creative options. Leaving Adobe might alleviate some frustrations, especially given the availability of cost-effective creative software alternatives.
Notably, GIMP’s recent version 3.0 aims to close the gap with Photoshop in functionality. There are also proprietary options like Pixelmator Pro for Mac and Affinity Creative tools that provide viable alternatives without the costly and frequent updates of Adobe’s suite.
While navigating an Adobe subscription cancellation can often be complicated, the current situation allows for a relatively smooth transition to new software without steep penalties. If you’re in a location yet to experience these changes, this is an opportune moment to explore alternatives before Adobe’s full rollout.
Keep in mind, despite Adobe’s recent price adjustments and limitations, a range of options remains available. Whether or not the new offerings appeal to you, consider the prospect of switching to open-source tools or different software solutions to enhance your creative workflow.
