Ever since Apple unveiled the Mac App Store, it’s been interesting to see which apps and developers moved first, and which are resisting the Mac App Store. According to the Wall Street Journal, the latest major program to hit the Mac App Store is none other than a version of the industry-leading AutoCAD software from Autodesk. The Mac App Store version will be called AutoCAD LS ($899.99, Mac App Store Link)
Autodesk has been in the business of producing well-designed and industry-leading design and drafting software since 1982, and has become an icon to the Computer-Aided Drafting industry. It’s extremely exciting to see such a notable developer of high-end apps adopting the Mac App Store.
The release of AutoCAD to the Mac App Store comes in the form of two apps. The first of these is AutoCAD LT 2012, which will retail for $899.99, and is available immediately ($899.99, Mac App Store Link). AutoCAD WS, a much simpler free offering designed for viewing and collaboration using AutoCAD files, will also be coming to the app store, and will be available for free starting on August 19th.
It’s also important to note, however, that Autodesk does not have any immediate plans to distribute the fully updated full version of AutoCAD 2012 on the Mac App Store, which has a beefy list price of $3,995 and is intended for drafting and design professionals. Curiously, the reason AutoCAD 2012 will not be released on the Mac App Store is because there is a price level you cannot exceed on the the Mac App Store.