Affinity has made a significant move by releasing a free version of its professional creative software, which includes capabilities for photo editing, vector design, and page layout. This could challenge Adobe, especially since many creatives only use a fraction of what Adobe's Creative Cloud offers. With the financial burden of monthly subscriptions, switching to Affinity could save users a considerable amount of money. However, the lack of AI features in Affinity’s free version raises questions about the industry’s growing dependence on these tools. The article emphasizes that while Affinity is a strong alternative, its free software lacks the AI tools that Adobe has integrated into its products, like Content-Aware Fill and Generative Fill. This situation presents a psychological experiment for creatives: if many switch to Affinity, it suggests they still value traditional skills over AI assistance. Conversely, if most remain with Adobe, it signals a deep reliance on those AI features despite complaints about their necessity. Ultimately, the author predicts that Adobe's subscription numbers will remain largely unchanged. A few users might switch and celebrate their newfound freedom, but the majority will likely stick with Adobe due to the convenience that AI tools provide. The article paints a picture of an industry at a crossroads, where the choice between affordability and reliance on AI is stark and revealing.