Bitwarden will change the apps distributed through app stores to versions using a commercial license, but they will work the same way. Users do not need to do anything extra.
The code will remain available to read, audit, and contribute to on GitHub. Bitwarden has confirmed that free and open-source versions will continue to exist. Most users will barely notice any impact, but some new features may be available only in the commercial-license version, especially features for business plans.
What will change in apps from the stores
The Bitwarden apps from the App Store and major app stores will switch to commercial-license versions, but users do not need to do anything extra, and the apps will work the same way. The code will remain available to read, audit, and contribute to on GitHub.
Those who want to use only the GPLv3 version will need to download and install the app themselves, but this version will not include features covered by the commercial license.
[Illustration: The Bitwarden app from an app store alongside the code page on GitHub]
Imagine a user who wants to use Bitwarden from an app store on their everyday device but still needs to rely on a manually downloaded version for certain tasks. The concern is that paid features may be placed under the commercial license, leaving the GPLv3 version with unequal functionality.
Another issue is the continuity of open-source code. Although Bitwarden has confirmed that the code on GitHub will remain available to read, audit, and contribute to, some new features may be exclusive to the commercial version. This means users may need to follow development more closely, especially those who prioritize code audits and long-term usability.
Where Bitwarden is positioning its products
Bitwarden is separating distribution into two versions: commercial license and GPLv3. Both versions are published on GitHub, where the code can be viewed. Apps from app stores and direct download links from the website will use the commercial license version.
The main reason is that Bitwarden is developing new products and entering new markets. Features for business plans, new products, and certain competitively differentiating features may therefore be exclusive to the commercial version. Those who want to use only GPLv3 will need to download and install the app themselves from GitHub, but some commercial features will not be included.
From the GPLv3 version in stores to the commercial-license version
Previously, Bitwarden submitted the GPLv3 version to app stores, but the new version will use a commercial license both in the stores and through direct download links. The code can still be viewed and audited on GitHub; it has not become closed source.
| Factor | GPLv3 in stores | Commercial license in stores and direct download links |
|---|---|---|
| Code | Published on GitHub | Viewable and auditable on GitHub |
| Installation | Install from app stores | Install from app stores or direct download links |
| Commercial features | No features covered by the commercial license | Access to features Bitwarden makes available to the relevant plans |
Most people will continue using the app as before. Those who want GPLv3 only will need to download and side-load it themselves, and will not have access to features covered by the commercial license.
The same features in real-world use
Typical users who download Bitwarden from an app store will use it as before and receive the same codebase published on GitHub.
Business-plan users will be able to access commercial features directly from the app store without having to find a separate build on GitHub.
Organizations and government agencies will also have an easier time obtaining the app from the store, since they should not be expected to download software from GitHub to use paid features.
Those who want to use GPLv3 only will need to download and side-load the app themselves, without access to features covered by the commercial license.
Options for obtaining each version of the app
| Factor | Main app stores | Download page | GitHub / side-load |
|---|---|---|---|
| App version | Commercial license | Commercial license | GPLv3 |
| Download source | Various app stores | Bitwarden's Download page | GitHub and side-load installation |
| Features under the commercial license | Available | Available | Unavailable |
| Suitable for | General users, organizations, and government agencies | Those who download directly | Those who want to use GPLv3 only |
The functionality and code of the app from the stores still match what is published online. The GPLv3 version is suitable for people who want to adhere to this license exclusively, but they must install it themselves and will not be able to use commercial features.
Strengths and limitations of this new model
The main strength is that most users do not need to do anything extra. Apps from the stores will continue to work as before, and the code will remain open for auditing on GitHub. Users will still be able to access paid features from the same source without downloading a commercial build themselves.
The limitation is that some new features may be available only in the commercial build, especially features for business plans. Those who want to use GPLv3 only will need to side-load the app themselves and will not be able to use commercial features.
Pros
- +Most users do not need to do anything extra
- +The code remains open for auditing on GitHub
- +Access to features from the same source
Cons
- −Some new features may be available only in the commercial build
- −GPLv3 users must side-load the app themselves
- −Commercial features are unavailable in the GPLv3 version
Costs that do not appear on the pricing page
The hidden cost lies in having to choose correctly between downloading from an app store and using GPLv3 with a self-managed side-load installation. Those who choose the GPLv3 route will also need to handle more of the app installation process themselves.
Another point is that some new features, new products, and features for business plans may be available only in the commercial build. As a result, GPLv3 users may lose access to features they have already paid for, even though the app and its code remain auditable on GitHub.
What to watch after the change
The key issue is which features Bitwarden will place under the commercial license, especially new features and new products related to new markets.
Another issue is the future difference between the commercial and GPLv3 builds, including premium-plan features that will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Users should follow the details of each version carefully before choosing a long-term usage approach.