How has Apple pulled off this trick? Through this simple entry in the Mac App Store FAQ:
Q: Can I use apps from the Mac App Store on more than one computer?
A: Apps from the Mac App Store may be used on any Macs that you own or control for your personal use.
Check out the use of the word “any” in that sentence. Apple is placing no restriction (other than the personal use clause, which I’m seeking clarification on from Apple ) on the number of Macs that you can install purchased apps on.
No more having to buy software twice. Once you’ve bought it, you can install it on all your systems. Sure, the freedoms are nowhere near as broad as those offered by open source software, but as far as commercial software goes, these restrictions are about as loose as you’ll find. And these aren’t just junk ‘fart’ apps and so on. For Mac users there’s some quality stuff to be found in the Mac App Store at a decent price. Sure, not everything, everyone will ever need is there, but if that was a criteria for success, nothing would ever succeed.