It's about not gatekeeping the people who are future devs, wanting to learn, want to try making their own hobby apps to share with others, maybe prospective employers. Also, the credit card requirement brought up in a sibling comment is a barrier.

A few years ago I was earning less than $500 a month (based on exchange rates), had an Apple computer (years behind the latest) and had time to develop. I've left the country now.

If I remember correctly, I discovered this timeout existed when I tried to show someone a mobile game I had built with Unity3d.

Privilege is blinding.