The Pro 11 release marks Apple’s move to position Final Cut Pro as a leader in spatial video editing, particularly for use with Apple Vision Pro.
Apple is betting on AI-driven tools and spatial video editing to attract professional editors with the launch of Final Cut Pro 11. Today, Apple revealed the latest updates to Final Cut Pro for the Mac and iPad, with both offering a variety of new features and simplified workflows. The new AI tool Final Cut Pro 11 for the Mac has added magnetic masks, extending the “magnetic” metaphor used for clips placed on your timeline.
(Image Credit: apple)
Apple says the new feature will allow you to quickly mask people and objects in a shot to color grade them or add effects separately from the rest of a scene.
Apple’s Final Cut Pro 11 AI update
In a suite of updates rolled out across its creative software lineup, the tech giant has sharpened its pitch to content creators, touting the efficiency of its M-series chips and the potential of its Apple Vision Pro for immersive media.
At the core of Final Cut Pro 11 are two standout tools: Magnetic Mask and Transcribe to Captions. Both powered by Apple’s Neural Engine. These new AI tools and features aim to reduce editing time by automating processes that traditionally required significant manual effort. Magnetic Mask uses machine learning to isolate people or objects in a frame, eliminating the need for green screens or complex rotoscoping. Transcribe to Captions, auto-generates captions on the timeline directly, giving faster workflows.
Vision Pro video editing
The Pro 11 release marks Apple’s move to position Final Cut Pro as a leader in spatial video editing, particularly for use with Apple Vision Pro. Users can now edit and preview spatial video, shot on iPhones or Canon’s new dual-lens system, directly on their Mac. In an upcoming update, users will also gain access to an ultra-wide virtual display that simulates a 32:9 panoramic view, offering a fully immersive editing environment designed for the Apple Vision Pro.
Final Cut Pro for iPad
Final Cut Pro updates extend to the iPad, where Apple has refined the touch-based editing experience. The iPad version now supports high-frame-rate recording, Live Drawing with new ink styles, and advanced haptic feedback with Apple Pencil, underscoring Apple’s push to make the iPad a legitimate mobile production tool. These updates also include the ability to apply effects, like automatic color and contrast adjustments, optimized for a range of formats from HDR to RAW.
For the iPhone, Apple has updated its Final Cut Camera app, enabling 4K recording at 120 fps on the iPhone 16 Pro, while also adding Log-encoded HEVC support. This feature reduces file sizes without compromising on quality—a practical update for professionals who need longer recording times without sacrificing fidelity. The app also introduces a LUT preview function, allowing filmmakers to view footage in real-time with applied color corrections, whether in HDR or SDR, bringing it closer to a full-scale professional setup.
Logic Pro AI features
Apple’s update also enhances Logic Pro, which has become a staple for music producers and video editors seeking to integrate professional sound into their projects. Logic Pro’s Quantec Room Simulator plug-in, introduced in this update, recreates the reverb profile of renowned Quantec acoustic spaces, adding a dimension of sonic authenticity that professionals prize. Other updates to Logic Pro streamline channel reordering and provide new search tools, allowing audio engineers to more efficiently manage complex project mixes.
These upgrades are small for current Logic users, but they make the digital audio workplace easier to use for no additional cost.
Apple’s pricing
Apple’s latest releases are available today, with Final Cut Pro 11 priced at $299.99. For new users on MacLogic Pro is priced at $199.99. The iPad versions are subscription-based, priced at $4.99 per month.
Upcoming updates by Apple
By next year, Apple’s suite of applications for creators will also include Pixelmator and Photomator which Apple recently acquired. These two apps are more aimed at editing photos than video or audio content.
