With its biggest update in years to Final Cut Pro (FCP), Apple may re-embrace the professional video creator crowd, which it has ignored since the launch of FCP X in 2011. The company finally unveiled its successor, Final Cut Pro 11 (FCP 11), an update that relies heavily on AI tools. Also, it introduced spatial video editing to prepare content for the Vision Pro headset.
The main AI feature is Magnetic Masks, which let you cut out people and other moving objects, then stylize them or place them in another location. “This powerful and accurate automated analysis provides additional flexibility for customizing backgrounds and environments,” Apple wrote. “Editors can also combine Magnetic Masks with color correction and video effects, allowing them to precisely control and style each project.”
The other major new AI feature is Transcribe to Caption, which automatically analyses interviews and other timeline audio, transcribes it and places captions directly on the timeline – effectively automating the entire process. The feature uses an Apple-trained large language model (LLM) designed to transcribe spoken audio, the company said. Final Cut Pro 11 also allows VR/AR video editing in conjunction with other pro editing apps like Premiere Pro and Davinci Resolve.
“Spatial video editing” allows users to import and edit AR/VR videos directly in the app, while adding effects, colour correction and more. Footage can be captured from the iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 16 models, as well as Canon’s R7 mirrorless camera paired with the new RF-S 7.8mm F/4 lens.
Users can choose from different viewing modes to preview left and right eye angles, or bring their edits directly into Apple Vision Pro to get a 3D preview. Apple also unveiled Final Cut Pro for iPad 2.1, further optimizing it for Apple silicon.
The app also improves the “Light and Color” feature that lets you quickly improve the color, contrast, and overall look of your videos. And finally, the company released a new version of Final Cut Camera, which includes the ability to shoot in compact but high-quality HEVC files with Apple Log, rather than using storage-gobbling ProRes.
As a professional tool, Final Cut Pro 11 is still missing features found in Resolve and Premiere Pro, such as text-based editing and some advanced color correction tools. Still, the new version and feature will undoubtedly be welcomed by FCP enthusiasts. It’s now available to download for $299 for new users (after a 90-day free trial) and free for existing Final Cut Pro owners.