So it appears that the non-premium version of Sophos Home has been silently moved from "Free Edition" to "Free Trial". The dashboard is no longer functional and after updating the software it appears essentially bricked with nothing but an ad for premium.

Feels like the beginning of the end for Sophos. I understand sometimes a company will discontinue a product, but to pull the rug out from under me is unhelpful to say the least, especially on a security focused product.

I am very disappointed. I had previously considered upgrading to premium, but I do not consider Sophos an option anymore. I do not feel comfortable trusting my security to a company who will brick my AV with no advance warning.

No blog post or announcement in sight - in fact most of the website still says "Free" but the landing pages have been changed to "Free Trial".

Wondering if others are running into the same issues. Discussion is welcome.

Edit: Thanks u/zw9491! Looks like it has been officially mentioned in at least one location so at least we don't have to speculate.

It also confirms

No, your computer is not protected after the license expires. None of the Sophos Home settings/protections will work until the license is renewed.

I installed Sophos Home on my Mac 30 days ago with the usual 30 day free premium trial etc which has now ended. I can't find any way to scan or manage my computer either on the app or online now the trial has ended. It's obviously pushing me to pay for premium.

My colleague however installed in exactly the same way about a year ago and his installation has reverted back to a non-premium version that is functionally perfect for what I need.

Is this no longer available or it is just being hidden to try to get me to buy the full version?

We've been a PA shop for a while but, since we've been acquired it seems we're angling away. I'm interested in looking at the Sophos appliances and it seems I can get a trial unit fairly easily, but with the uncertainty of the acquisition I'm not sure I'll have a job for any length of time and I'm curious how long the trial periods on the Sophos are good for. Don't want to rip out my existing setup only to have to do the same in 6-12 months, even if it is to learn a new tool in the process