Apple’s Creator Studio bundle leaves software owners in the lurch
Some new features for apps like Pixelmator Pro and Final Cut Pro will be exclusive to Creator Studio bundle subscribers. Owners will miss out.
Apple has launched a new Creator Studio subscription bundling some of its most powerful apps for photography, video, audio and graphics. However, existing users who already own one or more of these apps are set to miss out on new features.
That’s because Apple plans to offer some features exclusively for those users embracing the subscription model, where they’re essentially renting the software perennially rather than owning it. MacRumors noted that Apple plans to offer some new features exclusively to subscribers to some apps in the bundle, which include Final Cut Pro for video editing and Pixelmator Pro for photography.
According to Apple some “exciting new intelligent features and premium content” will be exclusive to Creator Studio subscribers, suggesting that the latest AI features might be reserved for those opting for the $12.99 a month / or $129 a year bundle.
For example, on the Final Cut Pro website, Apple notes: “A one-time purchase will still be available, but access to some of the premium content is available only to Apple Creator Studio subscribers. If you already own Final Cut Pro, it will continue to be updated.”
Considering all apps will continue to be available for standalone purchase – and others like Keynote, Numbers, Pages, and Freeform are remaining free – at considerable costs, this appears like a serious slap in the face.
Final Cut Pro is a $300 piece of software. You better believe people buying that are going to want 100% of the new features in the pipeline. It would be insulting to continue charging as much for a second class experience. And having paid that $300, you’re not simply going to ditch the software and start renting it, are you?
We’re going to have to see how this plays out in practice, how high profile the missing features are and how many of them there are, but it’s not the best look is it? Thankfully, at least, it appears those who own Logic Pro audio and the video encoding app Main Stage will still receive all updates moving forward.
Chris Smith
