Apple Inc. has finally delivered a major update to its professional video editing software, Final Cut Pro. After a 13-year wait, this video editing software, which has been around for 25 years, is releasing its 11th major version this Wednesday. Existing users can upgrade to the new version for free, while new users will need to pay $300 to purchase it, although a 90-day trial period is available.
The highlight of this update is the comprehensive integration of artificial intelligence technology. Following the recent launch of Apple Intelligence on iOS, iPadOS, and MacOS platforms, Apple is once again leveraging AI technology to introduce innovative features in Final Cut Pro.
The most striking addition is the new "Magnetic Mask" feature, which allows users to easily cut out people and objects from videos without relying on a green screen. This feature can be combined with color correction and video effects to achieve more precise project customization and stylization.
Another important AI feature is "Transcribe to Captions," powered by Apple's self-developed large language model, which can automatically convert audio content into text captions on the timeline.
Notably, the new version also adds support for mixed reality content. With the latest iPhone models now supporting spatial video capture, Final Cut Pro 11 can edit such content, including color correction, adding effects, and adjusting the depth position of captions. Although the $3,500 Vision Pro headset has not yet become a mainstream consumer product, reports indicate that Apple is developing more affordable models. Currently, the iPhone 15 Pro, the upcoming iPhone 16 series, and Vision Pro will all support spatial video capture, and Canon has also released a new dual-lens R7 camera that supports this format.
In terms of efficiency improvements, Final Cut Pro 11 introduces features like the "Magnetic Timeline," which allows for quick rearrangement of clips while keeping audio and video in sync. This version is specifically optimized for Apple's M-series chips, supporting simultaneous playback of more 4K and 8K ProRes video streams.
Meanwhile, Apple has also released Final Cut Pro for iPad version 2.1, optimizing light and color controls for the touch interface and enhancing the overall workflow experience. Similarly, existing users can download the update for free starting Wednesday.
This significant update marks an important breakthrough for Final Cut Pro in the professional video editing field, particularly in the application of AI technology and the handling of mixed reality content, offering creators more possibilities.