Katarzyna Petru
Apple is apparently preparing a major expansion of its professional app portfolio for the iPad. According to the latest report discovered by Aaron Perris from MacRumors, the company is preparing as many as four new Pro-class applications: Pixelmator Pro, Motion, Compressor, and MainStage.
If these reports are confirmed, it will be the largest expansion of Apple’s creative tools offering on iPadOS in history – and a logical step after last year’s debut of Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro on the tablet.
Pixelmator Pro – full power of image editing
Apple acquired the Pixelmator company in November 2024, and the current version of the iPad app still remains simplified compared to the editing on macOS. The new, fully professional version of Pixelmator Pro for iPad aims to match the functionality of the desktop version – with support for layers, AI-based retouching, and support for RAW files.
Motion and Compressor – filmmaker's toolkit on a tablet
Motion is a tool for creating animations, titles, and visual effects, which on Mac is an inseparable companion of Final Cut Pro. On the other hand, Compressor is used for encoding and exporting video and audio materials in any format – from ProRes to HEVC. If Apple really brings these applications to iPadOS, professionals will gain a complete toolkit for editing, effects, and film exports without the need for a computer.
MainStage – stage moved to the iPad
MainStage is an application created for live performing musicians. It allows the design and operation of concert sets using instruments, vocals, and effects in real time. On the iPad, it could become a mobile concert control centre — especially for Logic Pro users.
Scheduling glitch, but the direction is clear
Although the report doesn’t reveal release dates, one can assume that new applications will be announced later this year – possibly alongside the iPadOS 19 update. Interestingly, Apple has not announced them in conjunction with the launch of the new M5 iPad Pro, which suggests that the hardware and software teams are slightly out of sync with their schedules.
Nevertheless, if Apple does indeed introduce Compressor, Motion, MainStage and Pixelmator Pro, the iPad will become an even more serious tool for creators – not only for consuming content but also for creating it in full.
