When updates consist of minor improvements and fixes (e.g. bug fixes, going from version 5.0 to 5.1, etc.), they are always free to licensed users.
From time to time, there will be new versions that require significant changes to our application. These upgrades are specified by a new version number (e.g. going from version 4 to 5) and will include new features and functionality and support for newer operating systems. This process requires significant research, design, development and testing time. These releases will be handled like most commercial software: current users will be offered an upgrade price but the previous version will continue to work on older OSes if you decline to purchase the update.
Volume license customers with current software maintenance agreements will receive any paid upgrades at no additional charge.
Please note that we do not support older versions of CCC indefinitely. To find out which versions of CCC are currently supported and anticipated support sunset dates, please see our download page.
For more information about our current upgrade pricing options, please see How much does Carbon Copy Cloner cost and how can I purchase it?