Apple Acquires Pixelmator: Will Users See a New Editing Experience?

Apple Inc. has officially announced the acquisition of Pixelmator, the Lithuanian-based software company known for its popular suite of photo-editing applications. This strategic move is expected to enhance Apple’s software lineup, bringing Pixelmator’s advanced photo-editing capabilities under Apple’s direct control.

For nearly two decades, Pixelmator has offered users powerful editing tools that rival Adobe’s Photoshop, making this acquisition a notable event in the tech and creative industries.

In a recent announcement on its blog, Pixelmator shared that its team will now join Apple, while also reaffirming their long-standing admiration for the tech giant.

This acquisition will open up opportunities for further integration of Pixelmator’s features with Apple’s ecosystem, potentially transforming the way users approach photo editing on Mac, iPad, and iPhone.

Apple and Pixelmator’s Long-Standing Partnership

Apple and Pixelmator’s partnership is not new; over the years, Apple has showcased Pixelmator’s tools in various events, including recent iPad showcases. Apple’s interest in acquiring Pixelmator could have stemmed from its desire to expand its photo-editing capabilities, creating a competitive alternative to industry giants like Adobe Photoshop.

Founded 17 years ago by brothers Saulius and Aidas Dailide, Pixelmator has consistently catered to Apple’s user base by integrating exclusive Apple technologies, including iCloud support, Shortcuts, and Apple Pencil compatibility for iPad users.

This acquisition could signify a deeper collaboration to optimize Pixelmator’s offerings within Apple’s product suite, aligning it with Apple’s focus on professional-grade software.

Pixelmator’s Role in Apple’s Strategy Against Adobe

Advanced Tools Rivaling Adobe Photoshop

Pixelmator Pro, the brand’s flagship app, offers advanced editing features, including layers, vector tools, and repair functions that appeal to professional editors. Pixelmator’s suite of tools positions it as a viable alternative to Adobe Photoshop, particularly for users who prioritize a more Apple-centric editing environment.

Pixelmator Pro is priced at $50 for Mac users, while the standard version for iPad and iPhone is available for $10. Pixelmator also offers an app called Photomator, allowing users to access photo-editing tools across all Apple devices. With Apple’s acquisition, the accessibility and user experience of these tools could evolve significantly, particularly with Apple’s focus on enhancing its ecosystem’s functionality.

What Changes Can Apple Users Expect?

This acquisition introduces Apple users to a high-end photo-editing tool that fills a gap left since Apple discontinued Aperture, its competitor to Photoshop, nearly a decade ago. The timing aligns with Apple’s recent push to bring professional software to the iPad, as seen with the releases of Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro on iPad through subscription models. Integrating Pixelmator’s tools could bring added functionality to the Photos app, enhancing editing capabilities across Apple’s devices.

Pixelmator, in its blog post, stated, “We’ve been inspired by Apple since day one,” and added that joining Apple will help them reach a broader audience, an indication that Pixelmator’s advanced tools might become more accessible to Apple’s large user base.

Will Apple Discontinue Pixelmator Apps?

Many Pixelmator users have expressed concerns about the future of the app. Apple has a history of integrating the best features of its acquisitions directly into its ecosystem, raising questions about whether Pixelmator will remain as a standalone product. Apple could integrate Pixelmator’s advanced features, such as its Repair tool, directly into the Photos app. However, there is also a chance that Apple may choose to maintain Pixelmator as an independent app, similar to how it preserved Shazam as a standalone application after acquiring it in 2018.

Potential Benefits of Pixelmator’s Integration

If Apple decides to keep Pixelmator available as a separate app, it would give users a dedicated, high-quality editing platform that is deeply integrated with Apple’s hardware and software features. On the other hand, integrating Pixelmator’s unique tools into the existing Photos app could streamline the editing experience, making advanced photo-editing capabilities accessible to a broader user base without the need for third-party apps.

Conclusion: A New Era for Apple’s Creative Suite?

Apple’s acquisition of Pixelmator is a significant step in the tech giant’s continued expansion into creative software. With Pixelmator’s team joining Apple, users can expect either deeper integration of Pixelmator’s unique editing features into Apple’s Photos app or a refined, standalone Pixelmator app optimized for Apple’s ecosystem. As Apple continues to target the professional creative space, this acquisition underscores its commitment to providing innovative, high-quality tools that empower its users, whether for casual photo editing or professional content creation.