ZimaOS 1.5.0 goes paid – community reacts with dissapointment
CasaOS started out as an open-source platform designed to create a simple, user-friendly, and elegant home cloud system. Its clean web interface makes it easy to deploy apps like Nextcloud, Jellyfin, or AdGuard Home via a Docker-based environment.
IceWhale initially used CasaOS in its early products, including the ZimaBoard (review), ZimaBoard 2 (review), ZimaBlade (review), and ZimaCube. Over time, however, the company branched off and developed ZimaOS, a system based on CasaOS but enhanced with a broader set of features—while maintaining the same ease of use.
Just recently, ZimaOS v1.4.4 was released, adding several new functions. Up until now, every version of ZimaOS had been completely free, and most users assumed that wouldn't change.
That’s why many were caught off guard when IceWhale announced that starting with version 1.5.0, ZimaOS would introduce a paid tier. The OS will now be split into two versions: a free, limited CE-Edition, and a new Plus Edition. The Plus Edition will initially be offered for a one-time fee of $29, with a lifetime license.
The free CE-Edition comes with some restrictions: while it retains all core features, usage is capped at 10 apps, 4 disks, and 3 users. Unlimited cloud services and UDisks will still be available, but the rest of the system will be limited compared to the paid version.
Unsurprisingly, the community reaction was one of shock and disappointment. In response, IceWhale issued a clarification to address concerns. The company expressed gratitude for the community’s support and emphasized that all officially supported devices—including the ZimaBoard 1/2, ZimaBlade, and ZimaCube—will automatically receive the Plus Edition when upgraded from version 1.4.x or earlier to 1.5.0.
In other words, current users can upgrade for free—as long as they do so before the June 30, 2026 deadline. IceWhale has left a generous window for users to make the switch.
As for the pricing decision, IceWhale points out that other NAS operating systems often cost “hundreds of dollars,” and the $29 lifetime license helps cover ongoing development, maintenance, and community management costs—ensuring the long-term future of ZimaOS. The company also says it plans to reinvest 33% of revenue from ZimaOS Plus back into the community contributors. Discussions are already underway with community members about the best way to implement that initiative.
Source(s)
press release
ZimaOS is about to release version 1.5.0. Starting from this release, ZimaOS will be divided into two editions: the CE Edition (free) and the Plus Edition ($29 lifetime license).
CE Edition: Includes All Core Features, Unlimited Clouds and Unlimited UDisks, up to 10 apps, 4 disks, and 3 users.
Plus Edition: Builds upon CE by unlocking Unlimited Apps, Unlimited Disks, and Unlimited Users.
Community Benefit
-As a thank you to our early supporters, any community users upgrading from version 1.4.x or earlier to v1.5.0 will automatically receive the Plus edition.
BTW,
All official devices (ZimaBoard1 / ZimaBoard2 / ZimaBlade / ZimaCube) only need to upgrade to v1.5.0 to directly enjoy the ZimaOS Plus benefits.
⏰Schedule (UTC+8)
ZimaOS v1.5.0 Beta Community Release: Sep,22
ZimaOS v1.5.0 Official Community Release: Sep,26
ZimaOS Paid Access Opens: Sep,26
ZimaOS v1.5.0 Global Release: Sep,29
The growth of ZimaOS would not be possible without the community’s support. We will continue working hard to bring you a better experience.
More details: www.zimaspace.com/zimaos
With heartfelt thanks,
IceWhale Team
Dear Community Members,
Yesterday, we published the ZimaOS v1.5 community benefits and the upcoming pricing plan. We’ve seen your feedback and questions, and we feel it’s necessary to provide a clearer and quicker response to the key concerns, principles, and goals that the community cares about.
ZimaOS rejects subscription models and their variants — Lifetime Only!
Q: Many community members are concerned that ZimaOS might gradually evolve into a subscription-based model.
Principle: As a NAS OS, subscriptions are unacceptable. They go against the core value proposition of hosting and should be rejected by the community.
We’ve studied various commercial pricing models in the market: some charge hundreds of dollars by binding users to cloud accounts, others use “upgrade and maintenance” schemes to indirectly create subscription effects. We believe these approaches are unacceptable, and that’s why we stand firmly against them. Our choice is clear: a one-time fee, lifetime license, device-based activation, plus a free edition.
Why can community members receive Plus activation? How are they identified?
Principle: The scope of benefits is designed with the interests of the community — the driving force behind our growth — at the center.
ZimaOS would not be where it is today without the continuous support of our community. As long as you have used ZimaOS before v1.5.0, you are considered a community member. That means you can upgrade to v1.5.0 for free and automatically receive Plus activation. This is our most direct way of giving back to the community.
Community benefit validity？
Principle: Same — community-centered principle.
ZimaOS has surpassed 1 million downloads+ thanks to your support! To help our long-time community members smoothly migrate to ZimaOS 1.5 and future versions, we will keep the free upgrade window open until June 30, 2026. This means that before this date, all existing members will be able to successfully obtain Plus activation. If any issues arise, you can always contact us for manual reissuance of your entitlement.
Why is it $29 for a lifetime license?
Principle: Sustainability.
IceWhale’s vision is to serve 400 million households worldwide. With that vision at the center, our pricing strategy has never been about maximizing revenue. The $29 lifetime price is set to ensure we have just enough income to sustain product development and community growth, while keeping ZimaOS accessible and sustainable for the long term.
Why start charging now?
Principle: Sustainability with incentives.
From CasaOS to ZimaOS, over the past four years we have co-created with the community and gradually built a system with solid real-world value. This adjustment is, on one hand, about establishing a sustainable foundation so our vision can go further. On the other hand, we’ve always wanted to give back to our core contributors — those who have long supported and contributed to the community.
We plan to discuss with Community Mods to allocate 33% of OS revenue to community contributors, driving healthier and more positive growth. This will be a complex and challenging plan, so please stay tuned for our future updates.
From Day 1, we have always put the community at the center. If one day IceWhale strays from our stated principles, please question us — we welcome your oversight.
We are still learning and embracing the many ways you use ZimaOS, and we’re working hard to make the scope of benefits closer to real needs. We hope you can share your usage scenarios, ideas, and feedback on our benefits design directly in the community. Based on all recent feedback, we will have serious discussions and correct any inappropriate designs.
For more details, please see the FAQs on the picture.
With heartfelt thanks,
Lauren & IceWhale Team
