In a significant shift for organisations relying on Microsoft’s low-code solutions, the tech giant has officially ended the sale of the Power Apps Per App licence for new customers as of 2 January 2026. This move marks a pivotal moment for businesses that have been leveraging this cost-effective licensing option to deploy targeted app solutions across their workforce.
For organisations considering Power Apps or those currently using this licence model, understanding the implications and available alternatives is crucial for maintaining uninterrupted access to your custom applications.
What Was the Power Apps Per App Licence?
The Power Apps Per App licence was Microsoft’s entry-level offering for organisations wanting to provide individual users with access to a single Power App. Priced at just £4 per user per month, it represented an economical solution for businesses deploying specific applications to targeted user groups without requiring the full platform access of more comprehensive licences.
This licensing model proved particularly popular amongst:
- Small and medium-sized enterprises seeking cost-effective digital transformation solutions
- Departments within larger organisations rolling out specialised applications
- Companies piloting Power Platform capabilities before broader adoption
- Organisations with clear, single-app use cases where users didn’t require access to multiple applications
Understanding ‘End of Sale’
It’s important to clarify what ‘end of sale’ actually means for your organisation. Microsoft has implemented the following changes:
| Status | What This Means |
| New Customers | The licence has been removed from Microsoft’s price lists and is no longer available for purchase |
| Existing Customers | Can continue to add licences to their existing subscriptions during the current subscription term |
| Renewals | Available exclusively for Microsoft Customer Agreement (MCA) customers through Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) partners |
Crucially, Microsoft has confirmed there are currently no end-of-life plans for this SKU, meaning existing customers can maintain their current licences for the foreseeable future. However, the path forward for new deployments requires exploring alternative licensing options.
Alternative Licensing Options
Microsoft has positioned two primary alternatives for organisations affected by this change. Each offers distinct advantages depending on your specific use case and deployment scale.
Option 1: Power Apps Premium
The Power Apps Premium licence represents Microsoft’s premium offering, providing comprehensive access to the Power Platform ecosystem.
Key Features:
- Unlimited app access: Users can access an unlimited number of Power Apps, making this ideal for organisations with diverse application portfolios
- Pricing: US£16 per user per month, with volume discounts available for larger deployments
- Premium capabilities: Includes access to premium connectors, Dataverse storage, and advanced features
- Best suited for: Power users, departments requiring multiple applications, and organisations committed to extensive Power Platform adoption
Whilst the price point is four times higher than the Per App licence, the value proposition becomes compelling for users requiring access to two or more applications, effectively offering better value at scale.
Option 2: Pay-As-You-Go (PAYG)
The Pay-As-You-Go model introduces consumption-based pricing to Power Apps, offering flexibility for organisations with variable usage patterns.
Key Features:
- Consumption-based pricing: £8per active user per app per month
- Pay only for usage: Charges apply only when a user actively accesses an application during the billing period
- Azure requirement: Requires an active Azure subscription, as charges are billed through Azure
- Best suited for: Organisations with seasonal or sporadic usage patterns, pilot projects, or applications with variable user engagement
The PAYG model represents a middle ground between the discontinued Per App licence and the Premium option. Whilst the per-user cost is higher (£8 vs £4), organisations only pay for actual usage, potentially resulting in cost savings for applications with inconsistent user engagement.
Making the Right Choice for Your Organisation
Selecting the appropriate licensing model requires careful consideration of your organisation’s specific circumstances:
Consider Power Apps Premium if:
- Users require access to multiple applications
- Your organisation is committed to broader Power Platform adoption
- You need premium connectors or advanced platform capabilities
- Predictable monthly costs are important for budgeting
Consider Pay-As-You-Go if:
- Application usage is seasonal or sporadic
- You’re piloting Power Apps before wider deployment
- Your organisation already has Azure infrastructure in place
- You want to optimise costs based on actual usage patterns
What Should Existing Customers Do?
If you’re currently using the Power Apps Per App licence, there’s no immediate cause for concern. Microsoft has confirmed that:
- Your existing licences remain fully functional
- You can continue adding licences during your current subscription term
- Renewals are available through CSP partners for MCA customers
- There are no current end-of-life plans for this SKU
However, this is an opportune moment to evaluate your Power Apps strategy and consider whether the alternative licensing models might better serve your evolving needs. Many organisations find that as their Power Platform usage matures, the Premium licence offers better value and flexibility.
Looking Ahead
This change reflects Microsoft’s strategic direction towards more comprehensive licensing models that better accommodate the evolving needs of organisations embracing digital transformation. Whilst the loss of the economical Per App licence may initially seem concerning, the alternative options provide pathways that can deliver greater value for organisations at different stages of their Power Platform journey.
For organisations navigating this transition, we recommend:
- Auditing current usage: Review how many applications each user accesses and how frequently
- Calculating total cost of ownership: Compare the actual costs of each licensing option based on your specific usage patterns
- Consulting with your Microsoft partner: Discuss the best approach for your organisation’s unique circumstances
- Planning for the future: Consider how your Power Apps usage might evolve and choose a licensing model that accommodates growth
The end of sale for the Power Apps Per App licence marks a significant milestone in Microsoft’s Power Platform evolution.
By understanding the available alternatives and carefully evaluating your organisation’s needs, you can ensure a smooth transition that maintains, or even enhances, your Power Apps capabilities.
