Apple brings subscription-based Creator Studio to take on Adobe
With a new all-in-one bundle for professional creators, Apple is tightening its grip on creative software as it eyes a territory long dominated by Adobe
Apple is expanding its fast-growing services business with a new subscription aimed squarely at professional creators. The newly launched Apple Creator Studio bundle launched on 28 January and packaged several of the company's flagship creative apps into a single monthly or annual plan.
Creator Studio brings together Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, Pixelmator Pro, Motion, Compressor, and MainStage. Pixelmator Pro, which Apple acquired late last year, is also arriving on the iPad for the first time. The new version is designed for touch and supports the Apple Pencil.
The bundle also adds paid extras to Apple's everyday productivity apps. Keynote, Pages and Numbers remain free, but subscribers gain access to premium templates and a new Content Hub of curated images and graphics. Similar features are expected to reach Freeform later this year.
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Apple is using the launch to roll out new artificial intelligence tools across its apps. Final Cut Pro gains beat detection and smarter search features. Logic Pro introduces AI assisted Session Players. Pixelmator Pro continues to rely on machine learning for image repair and background removal, though some tools require newer Apple hardware.
The experience varies by device. Mac users get all six apps. iPad users get Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro and Pixelmator Pro. On the iPhone, the subscription unlocks premium content rather than full creative apps.
Pricing starts at $12.99 a month or $129 a year, with steep discounts for students and educators. One time purchases remain available on the Mac, but on the iPad, the pro apps are now subscription only.
The bundle places Apple in more direct competition with Adobe, while keeping one foot in its traditional pay once model.
