Final Cut Pro
apple.com
What it is
Final Cut Pro is Apple’s video editing app for Mac and iPad, with tools for both beginning editors and professionals. Editors can trim clips, isolate backgrounds without a green screen, and create captions automatically from spoken audio. The app also includes audio editing, color grading, titles, transitions, and effects; Apple lists Magnetic Mask among its intelligent features. Some Apple Creator Studio features require a device capable of Apple Intelligence. The iPad version offers a touch-first interface, Apple Pencil support, Live Drawing, Montage Maker, and project transfer to Mac. On Mac, XML import and export support third-party workflows such as color grading and sound mixing. The Mac App Store listing names formats including ProRes, ProRes RAW, RED, XAVC, AVCHD, Avid DNxHR, Avid DNxHD, H.264, and HEVC, plus third-party FxPlug plug-ins. It supports 4K export and team collaboration, and can import iMovie projects. The Mac version requires macOS 15.6 or later; the iPad version requires iPadOS 18.6 or later and a listed compatible iPad. Purchase options include a one-time Mac license or subscriptions.
Spec sheet
- Purpose
- Final Cut Pro is a video editing app for creating polished, professional-quality videos on Mac and iPad.Read 5 Oct 2026 · apple.com
- Audience
- Apple describes Final Cut Pro as suitable for both beginning editors and professionals.Read 5 Oct 2026 · apple.com
- Free plan
- NoRead 20 Sep 2026 · apple.com
- Paid from
- 2.99Read 20 Sep 2026 · apple.com
- Integrations
- Apple says users can import iMovie projects and use Final Cut Pro with other Apple Creator Studio apps and Apple accessories.Read 5 Oct 2026 · apple.com
- Privacy
- Apple says some Final Cut Pro analytics are associated with random identifiers rather than an Apple Account, and users can opt out of certain analytics collection in the app settings.Read 5 Oct 2026 · apple.com
- 4K export
- YesRead 20 Sep 2026 · apple.com
- AI features
- Apple lists intelligent features including Magnetic Mask and automatic captions, and says some Apple Creator Studio features require an Apple Intelligence-capable device.Read 5 Oct 2026 · apple.com
- Creative tools
- Final Cut Pro includes tools for audio editing, color grading, titles, transitions, and effects.Read 5 Oct 2026 · apple.com
- Desktop app
- YesRead 20 Sep 2026 · apple.com
- Editing features
- Its editing tools include clip trimming, background isolation without a green screen, and automatic caption creation from spoken audio.Read 5 Oct 2026 · apple.com
- Export and workflow
- The Mac app supports XML import and export for third-party workflows such as color grading and sound mixing.Read 5 Oct 2026 · apps.apple.com
- Formats and plugins
- The Mac App Store listing names support for formats including ProRes, ProRes RAW, RED, XAVC, AVCHD, Avid DNxHR, Avid DNxHD, H.264, and HEVC, plus third-party FxPlug plug-ins.Read 5 Oct 2026 · apps.apple.com
- iPad workflow
- The iPad app supports a touch-first interface, Apple Pencil, Live Drawing, Montage Maker, and sending projects to Mac.Read 5 Oct 2026 · apple.com
- Managed accounts
- Apple says Apple Creator Studio subscriptions and related services are unavailable when Final Cut Pro is accessed while signed in to a Managed Apple Account.Read 5 Oct 2026 · apple.com
- Mobile app
- YesRead 20 Sep 2026 · apple.com
- Platforms and requirements
- Final Cut Pro is available for Mac and iPad; the Mac version requires macOS 15.6 or later, while the iPad version requires iPadOS 18.6 or later and a listed compatible iPad.Read 5 Oct 2026 · apple.com
- Purchase limit
- Apple says some premium content is available only to Apple Creator Studio subscribers, while existing one-time purchasers will continue to receive updates.Read 5 Oct 2026 · apple.com
- Team collaboration
- YesRead 20 Sep 2026 · apple.com
- Web app
- NoRead 20 Sep 2026 · apple.com
Plans and prices
Strong points and limits
Strong points
- Available for Mac and iPad
- Supports 4K export and team collaboration
- Includes audio, color, title, and effects tools
- Mac supports XML import and export
- One-time Mac purchase includes free updates for existing users
Limits
- No free plan
- Mac requires macOS 15.6 or later
- iPad requires iPadOS 18.6 or later and a compatible device
- Some premium content is subscription-only
Who it suits
It suits beginning editors and professionals working on Mac or iPad who need video, audio, color, and title tools. The iPad workflow may appeal to editors who use touch or Apple Pencil.
Verdict
Final Cut Pro offers a broad editing toolkit across Mac and iPad, with different workflows on each platform and extensive named format support on Mac. Buyers can choose a one-time Mac purchase or subscription, while some premium content remains subscription-only.
Where Specifiction places it
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