Starting with v(Dusky Grouse), Project Kestrel is available on the Apple App Store.
What you get
Users who purchase Kestrel on the App Store receive automatic updates — no need to manually download and reinstall each new release.
It's the exact same app
The App Store version has the exact same features and shares the exact same source code as the free, direct-download .dmg from projectkestrel.org. Nothing is gated or held back for the paid listing. Purchasing it is purely a way to support the solo developer, a convention that follows many other open-source projects.
Why is it paid on the App Store, but not the Microsoft Store?
Part of the reason Project Kestrel is a paid listing on the Apple App Store comes down to Apple's App Store guidelines, which forbid donation links entirely. A paid app is the only way to accept support through that store.
The Microsoft Store has no such restriction — Project Kestrel stays free there, same as the direct download.
Where to get Kestrel
- Free, direct download: projectkestrel.org/download (Windows or macOS)
- Microsoft Store (free, auto-updating): Microsoft Store listing
- Apple App Store (paid, auto-updating): Apple App Store listing