After a long wait: Even entry-level iPad can handle Final Cut Pro
Apple's new iPad 11 does not support Apple Intelligence, but is fast enough for the professional editing program. However, you shouldn't expect miracles.
Final Cut Pro on the iPad: Limitation for the entry-level model lifted.
(Image: Apple)
Apple's 11th generation iPad, which recently went on sale, comes with one major disappointment: the built-in A16 Bionic chip from 2022 does not support Apple Intelligence. Nevertheless, the accelerated SoC compared to the iPad 10 ensures that you can do more with the entry-level model. Apple has now confirmed this in the English-language system requirements for Final Cut Pro: For the first time, even the smallest iPad can handle the professional video editing program on the tablet.
More RAM for the final cut
One of the reasons for this may be that the A16 Bionic –, in contrast to the iPad 10 with its A14 Bionic –, now has 6 GB of LPDDR5X RAM instead of the previous 4 GB of LPDDR4X. Apple now states that Final Cut Pro for iPad requires at least iPadOS 17.6 and a device with an M-Series SoC or an A16 or later. Previously – and still in the German language version of the document – it was still called M-Series or A17 Pro.
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Final Cut Pro offers a whole range of features that were previously only available on the Mac, even on Apple tablets. The software is – comparatively inexpensive for professional software – and is sold as a monthly or annual subscription (4.99 or 49 euros). The Mac version costs 299 euros for a single purchase.
Not all functions on the entry-level iPad
However, anyone hoping to get the full range of Final Cut Pro functions on the iPad 11 will unfortunately be disappointed. For example, recording in ProRes is not supported, nor is the option to use the Apple Pencil to "hover" over the timeline. This has to do with hardware limitations of the iPad 11. In addition to Final Cut Pro, the iPadOS version of Logic Pro also runs on the device, but this could already be used on iPads from the A12 Bionic upwards.
The entry-level model is sold in Germany from 399 euros without 5G mobile communications. It is available in four colors and has at least 128 GB. Fully equipped – with 512 GB and 5G – you can pay up to 949 euros. As mentioned, Apple Intelligence is not supported, although the rest of Apple's line-up is now capable of this, including the new iPhone 16e, which is now the entry-level iPhone. Only iPhone 15 and 15 Plus from 2023, which Apple is currently still selling, do not support Apple Intelligence either.
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