Apple has launched new versions of its video editing software, Final Cut Pro, for both iPad and Mac, with enhancements aimed at making professional video production more efficient and accessible.
The newly released Final Cut Pro for iPad 2 takes full advantage of the powerful new iPad Pro built with the M4 chip.
This upgrade brings up to twice the rendering speed and supports up to four times more streams of ProRes RAW compared to the M1 model.
The Live Multicam function is an interesting feature which allows users to wirelessly connect and preview up to four cameras simultaneously. This is managed through the new Final Cut Camera app, which works as both a companion and standalone recording tool on iPhone and iPad.
Users can manually control camera settings such as focus, shutter speed, and ISO, making it a versatile tool for on-the-go filming.
Another highly requested feature now available in Final Cut Pro for iPad 2 is support for external projects. This allows users to create or open projects without consuming internal storage space, offering greater flexibility for managing large video files.
Additionally, the app supports the new Apple Pencil Pro, which includes advanced controls like barrel roll for precise drawing and a squeeze feature to quickly access brushes and settings.
Final Cut Pro for Mac 10.8
Final Cut Pro for Mac 10.8 introduces several artificial intelligence-driven updates designed to simplify the video editing process. The new Enhance Light and Color feature automatically adjusts video colour correction, while Smooth Slo-Mo intelligently blends video frames to ensure smooth motion in slow-motion footage.
These features leverage the Neural Engine in Apple’s silicon. The update also brings improved organizational tools to Final Cut Pro for Mac. Users can now assign custom names to colour corrections and video effects, making it easier to manage complex projects.
The timeline index has been enhanced to allow for searching and navigating to clips with missing media or effects, and a new text-based search feature enables users to find clips based on reel, scene, camera angle, and other metadata.
Availability and Pricing
Both Apple Final Cut Pro for iPad 2 and Final Cut Pro for Mac 10.8 are now available as free updates for existing users. New users can purchase Final Cut Pro for iPad 2 through the App Store for $4.99 per month or $49 per year. Final Cut Pro for Mac 10.8 is available on the Mac App Store for a one-time purchase price of $299.99.
