- Leaked code suggests Apple is working on four ‘pro’ iPad apps
- They include video companion apps and a popular photo editor
- Details like prices, release dates and features remain unknown
Apple has just launched the M5 iPad Pro with a beefy new chip and much faster storage. Now, it looks like the company might be preparing a raft of pro-level iPad apps to help the device’s software take advantage of its high-end hardware.
That idea comes from code sleuth Aaron Perris, who has claimed to have uncovered a set of four App Store IDs that point towards the unreleased apps (via MacRumors). Right now, all four apps are available on the Mac but haven’t yet made an appearance on the iPad. If they do, they could bring professional tools to Apple’s tablets.
The most notable of the four apps is arguably Pixelmator Pro, which is a high-end photo editor. The app was bought by Apple last year, and while there is a less capable version of Pixelmator available on the iPad, Pixelmator Pro is a Mac-only app for now. It requires a one-off purchase of $49.99 / £49.99 / AU$79.99, with no subscription.
The other rumored offerings are companion apps for Apple’s Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro apps, which cover video editing and music production, respectively. These include Compressor, which compresses audio and video for Final Cut Pro; Motion, a tool for creating 2D and 3D titles, transitions and effects in Final Cut Pro; and MainStage, a live performance companion app for Logic Pro.
Welcome additions
Long before it was snapped up by Apple, Pixelmator Pro was seen as one of the best Mac apps on the market thanks to its high-grade tools and streamlined ease of use. But having it on the Mac while leaving iPad users with a stripped-down version always felt off when the iPad’s hardware is so strong.
If Aaron Perris is correct, that looks like it will change, and I’m excited to see it make its debut on the iPad. It means tablet users – who have long had access to mice, keyboard cases, styluses and other powerful accessories for pro-level work – will no longer miss out on a genuinely great piece of software.
Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro have been available on the iPad since May 2023, but they require an ongoing subscription to use. We don’t know whether Apple will make these leaked four apps subscription-only or will simply ask for a one-off payment, and that might be an important consideration when deciding whether to buy them.
It’s also not clear when these apps will launch, or whether they’ll have any different features compared to their Mac equivalents. But despite the relative dearth of information, the mere suggestion that they’re coming to the iPad is good news. Now we just need to look out for further updates to see exactly what we’ll be getting when they arrive.
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