Apple Acquired Color Grading App Color.io

Apple has added another tool to its creative software arsenal, quietly acquiring the technology and talent behind the color grading application Color.io.



The acquisition was officially disclosed in January through European Union regulatory filings first spotted by MacRumors. According to the EU database, Apple purchased specific assets from Patchflyer GmbH, the corporate entity behind Color.io, and hired its founder and sole employee, Jonathan Ochmann.


Color.io built a loyal following of more than 200,000 creators by offering high-end color management across web, desktop, and mobile platforms. The service became known for its custom color engine, analog film-style grading tools, and volumetric film-grain system.

Ochmann announced the platform's closure last fall, telling users he was stepping away to join a larger company where he could work on creative tools at a broader scale. The website officially shut down on December 31, just days before the EU filing identified Apple as the buyer.

The move aligns with Apple's growing push into creator-focused software and services, including the launch of its Apple Creator Studio bundle. Apple has also been expanding its professional creative lineup through acquisitions, recently purchasing MotionVFX after acquiring Pixelmator last year. Color.io's technology could eventually influence future updates to apps like Final Cut Pro and Pixelmator Pro.