Big updates across Apple’s Final Cut Pro video-editing software lineup introduce AI-driven Image Playground integration, plus improved workflows and enhanced recording options.
Apple released Final Cut Pro updates Thursday that add Image Playground for Mac and iPad users. Plus, iPad users can use the software in portrait orientation for the first time.
Final Cut Pro for Mac: AI-powered image generation and enhanced audio
The Mac version of Final Cut Pro, now at version 11.1, received several notable improvements. Headlining them is integration of Apple Intelligence’s Image Playground, which Apple said allows users to generate stylized images based on descriptions or shots from their Photos library. This feature, which joins several other AI tools previously added to Final Cut Pro, requires an Apple silicon Mac running macOS 15.2 or later.
Professional editors will appreciate the new ability to add color corrections and effects to adjustment clips above the timeline. That will apply changes to multiple clips simultaneously. The update also includes improvements to Magnetic Mask workflows with a new keyboard shortcut to show and hide the editor.
Audio enhancements include the addition of the Quantec QRS (Quantec Room Simulator) effect. It creates natural audio reverbs to simulate real acoustic spaces. Users can now rename audio effects in the inspector for better organization, too.
Additional workflow improvements include the ability to see the source of an angle or synced clip in the browser when working with multicam footage. Also added is more intuitive marker manipulation in the timeline, so you can drag them more freely back and forward than before.
Final Cut Pro for Mac offers a free, 90-day trial and remains available as a one-time purchase of $299.99.
Final Cut Pro for iPad: Portrait orientation and keyboard shortcuts
The iPad version of Final Cut Pro introduces several mobile-friendly features in its 2.2 update. Most notably, editors can now work in portrait orientation, optimizing the workspace for vertical screen usage.
Like its Mac counterpart, Final Cut Pro for iPad also gains Apple Intelligence integration through Image Playground, requiring an iPad with A17 Pro or M1 chip (or later) running iPadOS 18.2 or later.
Efficiency improvements come in the form of new keyboard shortcuts for nudging selections, replacing elements with gaps, and lifting or overwriting to the primary storyline. When capturing video directly on iPad, users now have the option to record in 50fps for additional flexibility in post-production.
You can try Final Cut Pro for iPad for free, and it’s available as a subscription at $4.99 monthly or $49 annually.
Final Cut Camera: Telephoto lens support and Spatial Audio
The free Final Cut Camera app for iPhone, designed to work seamlessly with Final Cut Pro for iPad, receives its own set of enhancements in version 1.2. iPhone 14 Pro (and later) users can now quickly switch to the 48mm telephoto lens to capture the perfect shot.
For iPhone 15 Pro owners, the app adds the ability to play back Log videos in both SDR and HDR with the Apple Log LUT applied, providing a more color-accurate preview of captured footage.
iPhone 16 users gain the ability to record videos with Spatial Audio for more immersive sound. And like the other apps in the ecosystem, Final Cut Camera now supports recording in 50fps for additional post-production flexibility.
Get Final Cut Camera in the App Store.
