Apple ends MobileMe rebates, update appears to be imminent

By Aemon Malone April 19, 2011

This story is part of our complete Apple WWDC coverage

Apple has pulled the plug on rebate programs for both its MobileMe service and for its iWork productivity software package, according to 9to5Mac. The former rebate allowed new purchasers of a Mac or iOS device to receive $30 off the price of the $99 MobileMe service. The $30 iWork rebate was only valid for Mac purchases.

Both rebates ended at “the close of business” on Monday. The decision to end the discount program for MobileMe, in particular, is fueling speculation that Apple is close to releasing a long-awaited overhaul and possibly making the service completely free. That speculation has been ongoing since February, when Apple discontinued sales of MobileMe in its retail stores. It now appears that Apple will be releasing a new version of MobileMe either sometime this month or during its World Wide Developer’s Conference (WWDC), scheduled to kick off on June 6.

Features rumored to be included in the update include an emphasis on cloud storage for media, like photos, music and video. Other features may include a “Media Stream” social network and a “Find My Friends” geo-social service. Some of those features may be tied into Apple’s fothcoming iOS 5, which is expected to be debuted during WWDC.

As for the iWork rebate program coming to a halt, it’s likely that Apple is also working on update there too. The Mac productivity suite hasn’t seen an significant overhaul since 2009. It’s not likely, however, that iWork will be be offered for free as we’re expecting to happen with MobileMe.

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