Final Cut Pro: video software to create subtitles using AI in future

Apple is planning a new function for a future version of its Final Cut Pro video editing software that will allow users to automatically generate subtitles using artificial intelligence. This was mentioned in passing in the presentation video of the new Mac mini with M4 chip (minute 3:50). The redesigned smaller Mac was presented by Apple as part of an announcement week. For a few seconds, the video showed how subtitles are created.

Until now, Final Cut Pro has supported the import of certain file formats (CEA-608, iTT and SRT) in which subtitles are stored. Users can also create these themselves manually in the video editing software. The subtitles can be exported in a format that can then be imported into video portals such as YouTube. Apple itself does not offer a suitable option for inserting them into the video image during export. Users have to use plug-ins, usually for a fee, to do this work.

It has been cumbersome so far

It remains to be seen whether the new function only stores the subtitles for export or also offers the option of integrating them into the image, as is practiced in many social videos, for example. Users can already create subtitles today using tools such as the AI transcription software MacWhisper. To do this, however, they must first export the audio track of their production to Final Cut, have it read and transcribed in MacWhisper and import the result with timecodes back into Final Cut. These additional work steps would no longer be necessary with Apple's new function.

The online portal Macrumors claims to have identified other AI functions in the short video clip that Apple itself did not explicitly mention. There is talk of a magnetic mask function and other AI effects. The FCP Creative Summit is being discussed as a possible date for the release of the update or at least the presentation of further details. The meeting of Final Cut professional users will take place from November 13 to 15 at Apple's headquarters in Cupertino (California). There is still one presentation in the published program for the last day, but the speaker and topic remain unnamed. On that day, there will also be a Q&A session with Apple's final cut team in the afternoon.

Most recently, a major update was delivered in the summer with version 10.8 of the Mac version of Final Cut Pro, which also contained AI functions. These can be used to automatically adjust light and colors in videos.

(mki)