Apple Creator Studio: New subscription for Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, and more

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Apple is getting creative: The US company is bundling a new subscription package for its software tools Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, Pixelmator Pro, and others. In the future, in addition to the previous one-time purchase, the programs can also be subscribed to monthly or annually. The image editing software Pixelmator Pro is being released for the iPad for the first time. Furthermore, new features for Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro have been announced, although some wishes for German-speaking users remain unfulfilled.

The new subscription package is called Apple Creator Studio and costs 12.99 Euros per month or 129 Euros per year. It includes Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, Pixelmator Pro, Motion, Compressor, and MainStage, as well as AI features and premium content for Keynote, Pages, and Numbers. It will also be available for Freeform at a later date. For the AI features, devices must meet the requirements necessary to use Apple Intelligence. Users who are eligible for educational discounts, for example as students and teachers, will receive the package significantly cheaper for 2.99 Euros per month or 29 Euros per year. The subscription can be shared with up to six people via Family Sharing.

One-time purchases are still possible

Those who prefer to continue buying the software for a one-time sum can still do so: The prices for Final Cut Pro (349.99 Euros), Logic Pro (229.99 Euros), Pixelmator Pro (59.99 Euros), Motion (59.99 Euros), Compressor (59.99 Euros), and MainStage (34.99 Euros) remain unchanged. This is likely to be of particular interest to users who will be using the software long-term. For example, someone who only uses Final Cut Pro on a Mac will be better off with the one-time purchase in less than three years. Those who use Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro permanently on a Mac will save after 4.5 years. The iPad versions of Apple's creative software have so far only been sold via subscription.

With the changes, which are expected to take effect on January 28th, Apple is apparently also rolling out updates for its software. However, those who have been hoping for German-language support for automatic subtitles in the video editing software Final Cut Pro will likely be disappointed. Apple is expanding its AI tools for English-language audio tracks. Transcripts for audio can be searched, and objects and actions can be found via visual search. A new beat detection feature allows for AI-assisted editing to the rhythm of the music. And in the iPad version, there is a new feature for creating montages. Users can automatically generate vertical videos from raw material using AI.

Pixelmator Pro for iPad for the first time

The music software Logic Pro is being expanded with a new AI session player for electronic music (Synth Player). Audio and MIDI recordings will go through an AI-based chord recognition (Chord ID), and the Quick Swipe Comping function is coming to the iPad. On the tablet, there is also a search function in the Sound Browser that can be used with natural language.

The image editing software Pixelmator Pro, acquired by Apple, is appearing for the first time on the iPad in addition to the Mac. Apple promises a touch-optimized interface with Apple Pencil support. Users will find full layer management, intelligent selection tools, and popular features like Super Resolution. Both the Mac and iPad versions feature a new distortion tool.

Different test phases

Apple's somewhat dusty office tools, Keynote, Pages, and Numbers, are also to be expanded with premium features. These include premium templates for subscribers and a content hub that provides curated photos, graphics, and illustrations. In the spreadsheet program Numbers, Magic Fill offers an AI-powered way to use formulas and table fills. In addition, the apps will be converted to the new Liquid Glass design.

There will be a one-month free trial period for the new subscription package for new customers. Buyers of a qualifying new Mac or iPad will even receive three months free. Keynote, Pages, Numbers, and Freeform will remain available for free, but with limited features compared to the subscription.

(mki)