In recent years, Apple‘s launch of Final Cut Pro X for iPad, compatible with the M1 or M2 processor, stands out as one of the most significant developments. But is this acquisition truly worthwhile? In this article, we will examine the matter in depth.
Hardware limitations
Final Cut Pro X is exclusively available for iPads that are equipped with first or second generation Apple Silicon processors, specifically the iPad Air and iPad Pro models. However, the primary concern does not lie solely in processor compatibility, but rather in other hardware limitations.
The majority of iPads come with 8GB of RAM, which proves to be inadequate for many users who aspire to explore the extensive editing capabilities offered by Final Cut Pro X. Furthermore, storage becomes an issue, as the iPad Pro and iPad Air models only offer 128GB and 64GB of unified SSD memory, respectively. These capacities are quite limited, especially when dealing with large files or undertaking complex projects, as they may not provide the necessary capacity to work with the proficiency expected from a professional project.
Another aspect worth mentioning is the potential impact on the iPad’s temperature during video export and rendering processes. Despite the power and capabilities provided by Apple Silicon, it remains uncertain whether the iPad can handle these tasks with the same efficiency as the more basic MacBook Air or Pro models, which are available at similar price points.
Plugins
For avid Final Cut Pro enthusiasts, it is common knowledge that the installation of third-party plugins can unlock the software’s maximum potential, enabling users to fully leverage the capabilities of Apple’s native application.
However, it remains uncertain whether Apple will permit the installation of plugins within the iPad version of Final Cut Pro. Even if such allowances are made, the process of installing plugins may differ from the macOS counterpart due to certain key distinctions in the download system.
Furthermore, the compatibility of existing plugins used on Mac with the iPadOS platform is unclear. It remains to be seen whether these plugins can seamlessly adapt to the new architecture of the iPad and function as expected.
Subscription
The Final Cut Pro version for iPad is priced at 4.99 euros per month, which significantly differs from the one-time payment of 329 euros required for the Mac version. This marks a notable shift in Apple’s strategy, as they increasingly focus on subscription-based software offerings.
However, this transition presents a predicament for users who have already purchased the Mac version of Final Cut Pro. They now face the additional expense of 4.99 euros per month to access the exclusive iPad version. Many users may feel a sense of dissatisfaction, particularly if they recently invested in the macOS version.
In conclusion, Apple users are delighted that the engineers and designers in Cupertino have adapted one of the world’s best video editing programs for the iPad. Nevertheless, only time will reveal whether this app will serve as a replacement for the Mac version or simply function as an add-on option.