There’s a difference though. Previously the version you ended up with was the one at the end of the year of updates. In the current model you have to reinstall the old version of the time of purchase, undoing the updates you got. It’s actually quite clever since you immediately notice what you’re missing by not paying.

You can actually keep your next current version by buying for a few months to extend to the next 12 month anniversary. See last timeline example on this page:

https://sales.jetbrains.com/hc/en-gb/articles/207240845-What...

I could have sworn they offer specials or something where you can get the current and next version.. can't recall, I end up upgrading each year to keep my discount going.