2025 Adobe Licensing Updates: Key Dates and How to Prepare
Adobe is implementing significant licensing and product changes throughout 2025, affecting Creative Cloud plans, Acrobat lifecycle timelines, and how generative AI credits are allocated. For ITAM and procurement teams, now is the time to assess risks, budget implications, and software license alignment strategies.
Below, we’ve outlined the most critical updates—by date—and what they mean for your organization’s software license management strategy.
Key Dates and Impacts of Upcoming Licensing Changes
June 17, 2025
Creative Cloud Licensing Changes and AI Credit Increases
Adobe is renaming key Creative Cloud plans and expanding monthly AI credit allocations. “All Apps” becomes Creative Cloud Pro for individual users. For teams, “All Apps” will now be called Pro for Teams, while “Pro Edition” becomes Pro Plus for Teams. Pro and Pro Plus subscribers will receive up to 4,000 monthly generative AI credits.
Pricing changes:
- Creative Cloud Pro (individual) will increase from $59.99 to $69.99/month.
- A new Creative Cloud Standard plan will be introduced at $54.99/month as a cost-effective alternative.
Action needed:
- Update internal license mapping and monitor generative AI usage to determine which users may require higher-tier subscriptions.
- Budget for an 11–17% increase in Creative Cloud costs and begin negotiating with Adobe resellers for volume discounts or rate protections.
- Update internal license names and monitor AI usage to determine which users require higher-tier licenses.
July 1, 2025
Adobe Reduces AI Credits for New Single-App Plans
Starting July 1, new Single-App Creative Cloud subscriptions will include just 25 generative AI credits per month, down from the current 500. Legacy users, existing customers or subscribers who started their plans before the policy change, are expected to retain their current entitlement.
Action needed:
- Evaluate whether Single-App plans remain viable for departments needing AI tools.
- Consider consolidating into higher-value Pro licenses to avoid productivity gaps or unplanned costs.
June 24 – July 24, 2025
Acrobat Sign v16.1 and GovCloud Release Dates
Adobe Acrobat Sign v16.1 rolls out in stages:
- June 24: Sandbox environment becomes available for testing depending on permissions.
- July 22: General production release.
- July 24: GovCloud version launches.
This release includes PDF/A compliance, mobile-first enhancements, WhatsApp notifications, iframe security updates, and new admin console features.
Action needed:
- Test key workflows in sandbox by late June and prepare for full deployment by the end of July.
- Train admins and end users on new feature sets.
November 30, 2025
Acrobat 2020 End-of-Support Deadline
Adobe has extended the end-of-support date for Acrobat 2020 from June 1 to November 30, 2025. After that date, the product will no longer receive updates or security patches.
Action needed:
Begin lifecycle planning now. Migrate users to Adobe DC or approved alternatives and assess compatibility with internal systems.
Pricing Implications: What to Expect in 2025
Adobe’s 2025 updates aren’t just structural; they come with cost implications:
- Individual Creative Cloud Pro users will see monthly rates rise by 11–17%, with higher AI credit entitlements bundled in.
- The introduction of the Standard plan provides an option for users who don’t require full AI functionality, the complete set of advanced AI-powered tools features, but still need access to core apps.
Action needed:
- Review your current user tiers and license allocation.
- Work closely with procurement and resellers to explore discounted contracts, lock in legacy pricing where available, or restructure license groups to balance features and cost.
How to Prepare for Adobe Licensing Updates in 2025
To ensure cost-effective and compliant adoption of Adobe’s updated licensing structure, Anglepoint recommends:
- Run a Full Adobe Software Audit
Evaluate current license usage and AI consumption to forecast future needs under the new model. - Update Provisioning and Governance Policies
Define which users need Pro, Pro Plus, or alternative licenses. Automate assignments wherever possible. - Engage Your Adobe Reseller Early
Confirm entitlements, clarify pricing changes, and secure grandfathered plans if applicable. - Test Acrobat Sign v16.1 Functionality
Use the sandbox release to validate integrations and test admin workflows. - Plan Ahead for Acrobat 2020 Migration
Avoid a last-minute transition. Schedule internal migration and user training to be completed by Q4 2025.
Optimize Your Adobe Licensing Strategy with Anglepoint
Our Adobe experts help enterprise clients reduce software waste, ensure compliance, and stay ahead of licensing changes. From AI cost modeling to Acrobat migration planning, we bring clarity and control to complex licensing transitions. Contact us today to schedule a tailored Adobe software and licensing assessment.