[flumpcakes]

That's exactly how the licensing works.

You get a perpetual license for the version you bought at that point in time as a fall back if you don't renew a subscription which frankly is much more than most offer.

If you're wanting a perpetual license that includes all future updates across all versions then I am afraid that doesn't exist pretty much anywhere. Fruity Loops is the only software I know that is still developed heavily and gets updates in this way.

[jasomill]

Logic Pro, Final Cut Pro, and DaVinci Resolve Studio, but, unlike JetBrains, neither Apple nor Blackmagic rely on software sales for most of their revenue.

Also, I can think of a few utility programs like Alfred[1] and BetterTouchTool[2] that offer lifetime upgrades at additional cost.

Finally, consumer Windows appears to have more or less adopted this model, subsidized by a steady stream of volume and OEM license sales.

[1] https://www.alfredapp.com/shop/

[2] https://folivora.ai/buy

[piafraus]

To be honest it does feel weird that the subscription allows you to upgrade to latest yet not use it after it ends.

I personally would think that something like "You purchase a year of versions, so final one you would be able to upgrade to - would be your perpetual subscription"

[flumpcakes]

I completely agree. You shouldn't have to down grade..