What just happened? Apple has released Final Cut Pro 11, the latest version of its popular video editing software for Mac. The update introduces several new AI-powered features, including a masking tool and automatic caption generation. There’s also a spatial video editing feature designed specifically for the Apple Vision Pro.

Starting with the most significant new addition, the Magnetic Mask feature enables users to isolate people and objects in a video clip without relying on a green screen or rotoscoping. This offers greater flexibility for customizing backgrounds and environments.

Another new AI-powered feature, Transcribe to Captions, automatically generates closed captions directly in the timeline. It utilizes an Apple-trained large language model to transcribe spoken audio with precision.

Final Cut Pro 11 also introduces the ability to edit spatial video, compatible with footage captured on the Vision Pro, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Pro, or the Canon EOS R7 paired with the new RF-S7.8mm F4 STM DUAL lens. This feature allows editors to import footage, apply effects, make color corrections, and adjust the depth positioning of titles and captured video for a more immersive experience.

Final Cut Pro 11 (free 90 day trial available here) is compatible with Macs running macOS Sonoma 14.6 or later, with a minimum requirement of 8GB of RAM – though Apple recommends 16GB for optimal performance. The application also requires at least 5.9GB of available disk space. Notably, some new features in this version will only work on devices powered by Apple Silicon running macOS 15 Sequoia. The software is available as a free update for existing users or can be purchased from the Mac App Store for $299.99 by new users.

The Final Cut Pro iPad app has also been updated to version 2.1, introducing several new features. One standout addition is the Enhance Light and Color tool, which adjusts color balance, contrast, and brightness in videos or still images with a single step. Other improvements include a vertical pinch gesture for expanding or minimizing clip height in the timeline and support for higher frame rates – 90 fps, 100 fps, and 120 fps – when working with footage recorded on the iPhone 16 Pro.

Final Cut Pro for iPad 2.1 requires an iPad with Apple Silicon (M1 or later) or an iPad mini with the A17 Pro chip, running iPadOS 17.6 or later. It is available as a free update for existing users, while new users can subscribe for $4.99 per month or $49 per year.

In addition to the updated versions of Final Cut Pro, Apple also announced Final Cut Camera 1.1, Logic Pro for Mac 11.1, and Logic Pro for iPad 2.1. Final Cut Camera 1.1 is available for free on the App Store, whereas Logic Pro for Mac 11.1 is priced at $199.99 for new users. Logic Pro for iPad 2.1 follows the same subscription model as Final Cut Pro for iPad, costing $4.99 per month or $49 per year. Existing users can download both Logic Pro updates at no additional cost.