User Proposes X Develop Photoshop Competitor to Boost Premium+ Subscriptions

A user on the social media platform X, Adam Lowisz, has publicly suggested that Elon Musk's X should consider developing a direct competitor to Adobe Photoshop. The proposal aims to bundle such a creative software solution with X's Premium+ subscription, potentially driving increased uptake of the platform's highest-tier offering. Lowisz highlighted the high cost of existing professional image editing software as a key motivation for the idea.

"Elon, X should consider making a Photoshop competitor that comes with every premium+ subscription. Lots of people would buy it. Photoshop is way too expensive," Lowisz stated in his tweet. He further suggested that a hypothetical entity, referred to as "MACROHARD," could leverage such tools to encourage more users to subscribe to Premium and Premium+ tiers. This suggestion aligns with X's broader strategy to diversify its services and evolve into an "everything app," as outlined by Elon Musk.

X currently offers two main subscription tiers: Premium and Premium+. Premium includes features like a blue checkmark, fewer ads, and longer post capabilities, while Premium+ provides an entirely ad-free experience and enhanced visibility for replies. Integrating a robust creative suite could significantly enhance the value proposition of these subscriptions, particularly the Premium+ tier, attracting a new demographic of users.

Adobe Photoshop, a market leader in image editing, typically costs around $22.99 per month with an annual commitment for a single app subscription, or $59.99 per month for the full Creative Cloud suite. This pricing structure has led to the emergence of numerous free and paid alternatives like GIMP, Photopea, and Affinity Photo, which often appeal to users seeking more affordable options. A competitive offering from X could tap into this segment, challenging established players.

Developing a sophisticated image editing application capable of competing with Photoshop would represent a substantial undertaking for X, requiring significant investment in research, development, and talent. However, such a move could strategically position X beyond its current social media and communication functionalities, potentially attracting creative professionals and enthusiasts looking for an integrated and cost-effective solution within a single platform ecosystem.