Perhaps a better question - is the simple “free custodial wallet” going away? 

In my own account, when I go tap the hamburger menu (on iOS PWA) and then select Wallet, it takes me to this page in this screenshot.

It requires a bit more thinking to understand — it seems to suggest that I won’t be able to use Alby until I connect a wallet (which is probably what the guy I invited thought), until I read and re-read it to see that I’m already linked to an “Alby shared wallet”. 

Do new users have this option? Sounds like they only have Alby Hub, which is self-custodial and either free if you DIY self-host, or a paid service through Alby Cloud.

Don’t get me wrong — Alby is amazing and absolutely worth paying for. Just not sure how to frame it when onboarding someone new yet, as a lot of things are new.

Thanks Bumi 🙏🫡 

 Thanks for your feedback! Indeed, one needs some node linked to make a full use of Alby Account - this can be any NWC wallet or Alby Hub. 

We're trying to make this easier to understand and navigate! 😉 
 

 Always glad to kick a pair of tires and report back. I’m excited to actually start using it now that you’ve expanded the offerings so much.

Am I correct that the free custodial Lightning wallet is no longer available to new users like the guy I sent an invite code to? 

 We're no more launching that wallets, the guy will be able to open Alby Account and he hast to link it to his node or the Hub to use the Lightning Network. 

 Got it, thank you for clarifying! I’ll let my invitée know haha

Will legacy/existing users continue being able to use the custodial wallet service in the future? Or is Alby’s plan to wind it down for everyone? 

 In the long run, we plan to wind down by reducing balance limits (getalby.com/usage) but it will be gradual, with necessary notifications and making sure users take out their sats. 

 I had a feeling - I noticed the reductions recently. Is this decision based around regulatory compliance and reducing your exposure to that sort of risk? (Makes sense if so, but curious whether it’s that or more a need to build sustainability/monetization, or both) 

 https://m.primal.net/JySt.png  

 We simply dream about resilient and decentralized Lightning Network. This cannot happen if users today are mostly using third-party noderunning and custody 

 🤝

Many of us here share that dream with you. Good answer 🔥 

 In the long run, we plan to wind down by reducing balance limits (getalby.com/usage) but it will be gradual, with necessary notifications and making sure users take out their sats.