Apple previewed an improved version of Final Cut Pro alongside M4 Macs in October, and the improved software is now available with a suite of “smart” upgrades on both Mac and iPad . If Final Cut Pro 11 exploits the power of the M series chips to bring AI-based tools to video editing (magnetic mask, auto subtitles, etc.), the iPad version goes to version 2.1 with several significant new features. Final Cut Camera is updated to version 1.1.
Final Cut Pro for iPad is also evolving
On iPad, Final Cut Pro 2.1 actually improves touch editing by adding an “Enhance Light and Color” feature, which automatically adjusts color balance, contrast, and brightness with a single tap. Apple Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard users now benefit from haptic feedback, allowing tactile feedback when trimming, moving media, or navigating the timeline. Apple also introduced four new “ink” options for Live Drawing on iPad (watercolor, pencil, fountain pen, and monoline pen), allowing users to animate their videos with creative line styles.
Other changes include vertical pinch gestures to resize clip height, adjustable viewer size in Picture-in-Picture mode, and expanded support for recording at 90-120 frames per second starting with iPhone 16 models Pro. The content library has also been enriched with new modular transitions, color grading presets and dynamic soundtracks.
Other updates
The recent Final Cut Camera received a significant upgrade to version 1.1, introducing Log-encoded HEVC video capture for reduced file sizes with high dynamic range. Users can also apply preview LUTs while recording in Log mode, making it easier to view footage as it might appear in post-production.
iPhone 16 Pro owners now have the ability to record 4K video at 120fps, perfect for smooth, cinematic slow-motion shots that can be edited directly in Final Cut Pro for iPad. Additional features include roll and tilt indicators, as well as crosshair guides for perfect top-down shots.
Apple also rolled out updates to its other creative software: Logic Pro for Mac and iPad now supports a new Quantec Room Simulator plugin, while Motion, Compressor, and iMovie have each received various optimizations and features to improve the user experience in Apple’s creative suite.
Download the free app Final Cut Pro for iPad
