launched a search with Sonnet LLM,
IMO where they go wrong is that value perception isn’t defined by the number of features, but by the number of peak experiences, so the origial conecpt was much more reasonable**Why Did the .5 Release Model End?**
Around 2021–2022, a Senior Project Manager at Steinberg mentioned that the company would discontinue the paid “.5” updates. There was some initial hesitation on Gearspace, but after Cubase 12, the change became official — there was no Cubase 12.5, only Cubase 13.
### Possible Reasons (based on forum speculation)
**1. Transition to the New Licensing System**
* The Cubase 12.0.50 update was delayed because core components had to be migrated to the new licensing backend.
* Removing the eLicenser dongle was a major infrastructure change.
* This migration alone required the kind of workload that would normally justify a “.5” release.
**2. The “Disguised Subscription” Theory**
* Some users believe it’s essentially a rebranded annual subscription model.
* €99 every November = de facto subscription, even if not labeled as one.
* Under the old model, users could choose whether to buy a big upgrade or skip a smaller .5 update.
**3. Predictable Revenue Stream**
* One yearly release — every November, like clockwork.
* Easier for Steinberg to plan and allocate development resources.
### The Downside of the Current Model
**Previously (with the .5 model):**
* Major update (e.g. 11 → 12): €99, packed with new features.
* Minor update (e.g. 12 → 12.5): €49, fewer features but great value.
* Users had the choice to skip smaller releases if they wanted to wait.
**Now (yearly model):**
* Every update costs €99.
* No choice — you either pay annually or fall behind.
* If a release is more of a maintenance update (as many argue Cubase 15 is), it still costs the full €99.
* Many feel Cubase 15 is closer to a “14.5” than a true 15.
### The Trade-off
The old .5 model offered flexibility. Now, if a release feels minor, users feel like they’re paying €99 for maintenance. From Steinberg’s perspective, this brings predictable revenue and scheduling. From the user’s side, it feels like less freedom and value.
**In short:** Steinberg chose financial predictability over user flexibility.
Major update (X.0): €99
New engine features
Architectural changes
Game-changing functionality
Emotional reaction: "WOW, worth it!"
Minor update (X.5): €49
Workflow tweaks
UI improvements
Plugin updates
Emotional reaction: "Okay, that's a fair price, small money for small things"
this current release also shows such a mixed/choppy picture because the two concepts got mixed up at Mr. Steinberg's
.
. Just hoping this yearly update cycle, to keep the cash flowing, isn’t interfering too much with things which are more difficult to implement..
