Apple Launches Pixelmator Pro for iPad in Creator Studio
Pixelmator Pro is now available on iPad as part of Apple’s new Creator Studio subscription. The tablet version mirrors the Mac app’s professional toolset, supports seamless Apple Pencil interaction, and syncs via iCloud for real‑time cross‑device editing. Bundled with Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro and other creative apps, it offers a unified workflow for creators.
iPad Version of Pixelmator Pro
The iPad edition expands on the previous iOS “Pixelmator” app, delivering a feature set almost identical to the Mac version. Touch‑optimized controls and full Apple Pencil pressure‑ and tilt‑sensing enable precise brush work, while professional capabilities such as layer management, smart masks, machine‑learning image correction, and RAW processing run natively on the tablet.
Integrated iCloud Drive syncing ensures that projects started on a Mac can be continued on an iPad without delay. For example, a user can begin a retouch on a Mac, switch to an iPad for fine‑tuned Pencil adjustments, and then return to the Mac for final output—all in a fluid, near‑real‑time workflow.
Subscription Model and Creator Studio
Pixelmator Pro for iPad is offered exclusively through Apple’s Creator Studio subscription, priced at ¥1,780 per month or ¥17,800 annually. The plan also includes Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, Motion, Compressor, MainStage, Keynote, Pages, Numbers, and Freeform, providing comprehensive access to Apple’s creative suite.
This shift from perpetual licenses to a subscription model improves long‑term cost efficiency. While the standalone Mac version of Pixelmator Pro previously sold for around ¥34,800, the subscription grants continuous access to all tools for a predictable monthly fee, aligning with Apple’s strategy of “creative work should span devices.”
AI‑Powered Montage Maker and Ecosystem Impact
Alongside Pixelmator Pro, Final Cut Pro introduces Montage Maker, an AI feature that automatically extracts and highlights key moments in video clips to generate dynamic montages. Seamless integration with Motion and Compressor allows users to apply 2D/3D effects and handle encoding without leaving the Apple ecosystem.
Having both AI‑driven video editing and advanced image editing within the same subscription creates a unified creative pipeline. Users can color‑grade video, refine thumbnail images in Pixelmator Pro, add effects in Motion, and finalize the project with Compressor—all without switching platforms.
Market Impact and Future Outlook
Bringing the acclaimed Mac‑level Pixelmator Pro to iPad accelerates Apple’s “pro‑grade iPad” initiative, enabling freelancers and small studios to perform high‑quality editing on a portable device and reduce production costs. However, the mandatory subscription may concern long‑time professionals accustomed to one‑time purchases, especially those who have owned Pixelmator Pro for years.
To mitigate churn, Apple will need to deliver regular feature updates and exclusive plugins for subscribers, reinforcing the added value of the service. Overall, the iPad version of Pixelmator Pro marks a pivotal milestone in Apple’s vision of “creative anywhere,” and the combined subscription could reshape competitive dynamics across the digital‑creative market.
