Perhaps Acquiring Pixelmator Is About Competing with Creative Cloud
Apple's acquisition of Pixelmator aims to enhance its creative software offerings, potentially shifting towards a subscription model similar to Adobe's Creative Cloud, appealing to users seeking comprehensive creative applications.
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Apple's recent acquisition of Pixelmator may not be aimed directly at competing with Adobe's Photoshop and Lightroom, but rather at enhancing its own creative software offerings within a subscription model similar to Adobe's Creative Cloud. The pricing strategy for Apple's Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro for iPad, which are available at $5/month or $50/year, contrasts with the one-time purchase model for their Mac counterparts, which remain at $199.99 and $299.99 respectively. This suggests that Apple is considering a shift towards subscription pricing for its professional tools. Adobe's Creative Cloud bundle, which provides access to a wide range of applications for a monthly fee, has set a precedent in the industry. While Apple has not yet adopted a subscription model for Final Cut Pro 11, the potential for a bundled offering that includes Pixelmator and other creative tools could be on the horizon. Such a bundle could appeal to users looking for a comprehensive suite of creative applications at a competitive price, potentially positioning Apple as a more formidable competitor in the creative software market.
- Apple's acquisition of Pixelmator may be aimed at enhancing its creative software offerings.
- The pricing strategy for Apple's iPad apps contrasts with the one-time purchase model for Mac apps.
- Adobe's Creative Cloud has set a precedent for subscription pricing in the creative software industry.
- A potential future bundle from Apple could include Pixelmator and other creative tools.
- Subscription models are becoming increasingly dominant in professional creative tools.
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Apple Is Acquiring Pixelmator
Apple is acquiring Pixelmator, an image editing app, pending regulatory approval. No immediate changes will occur, and the app aims to expand its audience while remaining a Photoshop alternative.
Apple launches Final Cut Pro 11 with even more AI features
Apple launched Final Cut Pro 11, featuring AI tools like automatic masking and autogenerated captions. Existing users get the update free; new users pay $299. Enhancements include improved editing tools and iPad support.
Apple Smells Blood in the Water
Apple is enhancing its creative software, launching Final Cut on iPad and acquiring Pixelmator, while Adobe faces criticism despite profits. Final Cut Pro 11 competes with Adobe Premiere and DaVinci Resolve.
Apple Tends to Do Right by Apps It Acquires
Apple typically maintains acquired apps while integrating their features, as seen with Shazam and Beats. The future of Pixelmator and Photomator is uncertain, but Pixelmator may become a professional tool.
- Many users doubt Apple's commitment to professional tools, fearing integration into existing apps rather than standalone offerings.
- Concerns about the subscription model harming user experience and pricing fairness are prevalent, with comparisons to Adobe's Creative Cloud.
- Some commenters suggest that Apple may prefer a one-time fee model for its professional software to maintain goodwill with existing users.
- There is speculation about whether Apple will expand Pixelmator to other platforms like Windows or the web to compete effectively.
- Several users express a preference for alternative pricing models, such as paid updates or hybrid subscription options.
12 commentsFinal Cut is Apple’s direct competition with Adobe, but Apple makes their money largely from hardware, App Store fees, and platform lock-in. Their current pricing isn’t outrageous for a casual or adventurous user to purchase and furthers their lock-in to the Apple ecosystem, meanwhile professionals will purchase Apple’s expensive hardware upgrades, this also advances Apple further into the zeitgeist of professional video and music software and anyone looking to get into the hobby will heavily consider Apple against the alternatives.
Businesses need money to keep updating the software, and won’t get it if all their customers have already bought the product. On the other hand, if something is offline and paid for, it should never go away.
Online is different, because customers need to continuously pay for hosting and compute. If it’s an app that’s almost all client side and the business just makes it online to force users to subscribe…yeah that’s wrong. But obviously something like a VPS is going to be a subscription.
What they will do is introduce Apple One Premier+ : includes Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple Fitness+ […] and all your creator tools including Final Cut Pro, Pixelmator, Photomator, Logic Pro […]
If you’re already paying $40 or whatever for Apple One Premier it’s a very short step to $65 for Premier+
I pay for Apple One Premier. Would I pay for Apple One Prmeier+?
Almost certainly.
(Not rhetorical here -- I'm genuinely curious)
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Patreon Should Consider Calling Apple on Its Threats
Patreon is pressured by Apple to comply with its in-app purchase system, offering creators two pricing options. A proposed third option could allow external subscription management, potentially generating positive publicity for Patreon.
Apple Is Acquiring Pixelmator
Apple is acquiring Pixelmator, an image editing app, pending regulatory approval. No immediate changes will occur, and the app aims to expand its audience while remaining a Photoshop alternative.
Apple launches Final Cut Pro 11 with even more AI features
Apple launched Final Cut Pro 11, featuring AI tools like automatic masking and autogenerated captions. Existing users get the update free; new users pay $299. Enhancements include improved editing tools and iPad support.
Apple Smells Blood in the Water
Apple is enhancing its creative software, launching Final Cut on iPad and acquiring Pixelmator, while Adobe faces criticism despite profits. Final Cut Pro 11 competes with Adobe Premiere and DaVinci Resolve.
Apple Tends to Do Right by Apps It Acquires
Apple typically maintains acquired apps while integrating their features, as seen with Shazam and Beats. The future of Pixelmator and Photomator is uncertain, but Pixelmator may become a professional tool.