Pixelmator for iOS Updates Discontinued by Apple
▼ Summary
– Apple has announced Pixelmator Pro for iPad and revealed that the existing Pixelmator Classic for iOS app will no longer receive updates.
– Pixelmator Classic, released in 2014, remains functional for basic editing but is not being actively developed further.
– In contrast, the Photomator app will continue to be available for purchase and is expected to receive future updates.
– The last update for Pixelmator for iOS was four months ago, with version 3.1.16 being its final release.
– The article’s author expresses disappointment but hopes the new Pixelmator Pro app will serve as a compelling replacement.
Apple has introduced a new subscription service for creators and with it, a dedicated iPad version of Pixelmator Pro. This launch has clarified the future of the company’s existing image editing applications for iOS devices. A new support page confirms that the original Pixelmator app for iPhone and iPad will no longer receive software updates, effectively entering a maintenance phase. Meanwhile, Photomator will continue to be available as a standalone purchase.
The updated information comes from a Q&A section on Apple’s website detailing its creative software lineup. Regarding the classic Pixelmator app, the company states it provides basic editing tools like cropping, color correction, and filter effects. First launched a decade ago as a companion to a now-discontinued Mac application, the iOS version remains functional but its development has officially concluded. The last update was issued approximately four months ago, bringing it to version 3.1.16.
In contrast, the page indicates that Photomator will persist as a separate offering on the App Store. The statement suggests this application is still under active development and will likely see future improvements, though specific details about its roadmap are not provided. Both applications remain downloadable for users who wish to continue using them.
This shift in focus highlights Apple’s strategy to consolidate its professional creative tools under the new Pixelmator Pro brand and its associated subscription model. For long-time users of the classic Pixelmator app, this news may be disappointing, especially for those who rely on it for quick edits on their iPad or iPhone. The hope for many is that the new Pro version delivers a sufficiently powerful and compelling feature set to justify the transition.
The original Pixelmator for iOS has seen consistent updates since Apple’s acquisition, making this official end of development a notable milestone. While bug-fix patches remain a remote possibility, the phrasing “no longer being updated” strongly implies no further work is planned. Users invested in this ecosystem will now need to evaluate whether to stick with the static classic app, switch to the continuing Photomator, or migrate to the new Pro subscription service.
(Source: 9to5Mac)
