Hints of iPad Versions of Pixelmator Pro, Motion, and MainStage

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Apple is apparently working on iPad versions of further pro apps. Developer Aaron Perriss has discovered four as-yet unused app IDs in the App Store that point to upcoming iPad versions of Pixelmator Pro, Compressor, Motion, and MainStage. He announced this on X (formerly Twitter).

The discovered IDs are unique identification numbers that Apple assigns to each app in the App Store. Developers can register these IDs even before an app is released. The found IDs have not yet been assigned to any published apps, but bear designations that hint at the mentioned applications.

The applications that Perriss might have discovered are creative tools: Pixelmator Pro is image editing software, which Apple acquired last year. Motion is used for creating animations and effects for Final Cut Pro. Compressor is Apple's tool for video transcoding. And MainStage is aimed at live musicians and enables the use of virtual instruments on stage.

Timing fits M5 iPads and iPadOS 26.1

The timing of the discovery does not seem to be a coincidence: Apple only recently unveiled the new iPad Pro models with M5 chip. The increased processing power of the M5 generation could provide the technical foundation for desktop applications on the tablet. Furthermore, a major system update, iPadOS 26.1, is expected soon, which is said to bring new features and improvements.

Pixelmator Pro as a Special Case

The possible iPad version of Pixelmator Pro is particularly interesting. Apps like Pixelmator and Photomator already exist for the iPad, but they offer a different range of functions than the Mac version of Pixelmator Pro. The desktop variant is aimed more at professional users and offers advanced tools for image editing and compositing.

After Apple acquired Pixelmator last year, it was already speculated that the software could be more closely integrated into Apple's ecosystem.

Motion could complement Final Cut Pro

Motion would also be a logical addition for the iPad: Apple has already released Final Cut Pro for iPad. Motion is closely integrated with Final Cut Pro and is used on the Mac to create titles, transitions, and effects. An iPad version would complete video production on the tablet.

The technical requirements for such desktop apps are met by the M5 iPads. The new models have up to 16 GB of RAM, offering enough resources for demanding applications. However, whether and when Apple will actually release the apps is still unclear. The mere existence of app IDs is not proof of an imminent release, but it does indicate development work.

(mki)