Apple Unveils 'Apple Creator Studio' Subscription With New AI Features, Pixelmator Pro for iPad

Apple has officially unveiled Apple Creator Studio, a new subscription bundle that brings together its professional creative software alongside a broad set of AI-driven updates. Announced today, the service unites Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, Motion, Compressor, and MainStage into a single package, while also introducing Pixelmator Pro to the iPad for the first time.



The service launches Wednesday, January 28, priced at $12.99 per month or $129 per year. Apple confirmed that standalone one-time purchases for the Mac versions of Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, Pixelmator Pro, Motion, Compressor, and MainStage will remain available on the App Store, addressing ongoing concerns from professional users about subscription-only workflows. The subscription supports Family Sharing, allowing up to six family members to access the included apps and content.


A centerpiece of the announcement is the debut of Pixelmator Pro for iPad. The image editor has been rebuilt for the tablet with a touch-optimized workspace and deep support for the Apple Pencil Pro. The app takes advantage of hardware features such as hover, squeeze, and double-tap to streamline editing workflows. It includes advanced machine learning tools like Super Resolution for image upscaling and a new Warp tool for manipulating layers, both powered by Apple silicon.



Final Cut Pro is receiving a significant update focused on artificial intelligence. Transcript Search allows editors to locate specific soundbites across hours of footage by typing phrases, while Visual Search lets users find clips based on objects or actions shown on screen. Both features are available in U.S. English at launch. A new Beat Detection tool analyzes music tracks and displays a visual Beat Grid in the timeline to make syncing edits to music easier. iPad users also gain Montage Maker, which uses AI to analyze footage and automatically assemble a dynamic video synced to music, including intelligent reframing and Auto Crop for vertical formats.



On the audio side, Logic Pro introduces Synth Player, the latest AI Session Player designed to generate electronic music performances with adjustable complexity and intensity. A new Chord ID feature analyzes audio or MIDI recordings and automatically generates a chord track, reducing the need for manual transcription. iPad users also gain Quick Swipe Comping and new Music Understanding features that enable natural language searches within the Sound Browser.



Apple Creator Studio also unlocks access to Motion, including intelligent tools such as Magnetic Mask for isolating and tracking subjects, and Compressor for advanced output customization and distribution workflows. MainStage is included as well, enabling live performance setups that mirror studio-quality sounds.



The subscription extends beyond creative apps to Apple's productivity suite. Keynote, Pages, and Numbers receive premium content and intelligent features, including a visual refresh based on the Liquid Glass design language. Subscribers gain access to a new Content Hub with curated graphics and photos. The apps also integrate generative AI models from OpenAI, allowing users to create and transform images from text descriptions, building on Apple's previously reported collaboration with OpenAI. Premium content and intelligent features for Freeform are planned for later this year.



To support these features, Apple notes that many advanced AI capabilities require Apple silicon devices. Some features are limited by language, region, or hardware configuration.


Apple is offering discounted pricing for education customers, with students and educators able to subscribe for $2.99 per month. New subscribers receive a one-month free trial, while customers purchasing a new Mac or qualifying iPad will receive three months of Apple Creator Studio at no cost.