Apple Says Goodbye to Clips App, Ending Support for Video Editing Tool
In a move that signals the end of an era for mobile video editing, Apple has announced it will no longer support its Clips app. As of October 10, Clips is no longer available for new users to download from the App Store, and existing users can expect limited functionality as updates cease.
According to a support page on the Apple website, existing users can continue to use Clips on current or earlier versions of iOS and iPadOS, but will not receive any further updates. This means that without ongoing development, the app's capabilities may become increasingly difficult to use over time. To mitigate this, Apple is encouraging users to download their Clips videos – complete with added effects – to their photo library, allowing them to watch and edit the content using other apps.
Launched in 2017 as a response to the growing popularity of social media platforms like Snapchat and Instagram Stories, Clips allowed users to stitch together photos and videos with filters, emojis, and music. TechCrunch's Brian Heater described the app's video editing capabilities as "simple to a fault" but noted that it could serve as a showcase for Apple's hardware and software capabilities while providing users with an alternative to social media.
"We saw Clips as a way to give users more creative control over their mobile content," said an Apple spokesperson. "While we're no longer actively developing the app, we appreciate the community of users who have made it their own."
The discontinuation of Clips marks another step in Apple's ongoing efforts to streamline its product lineup and focus on core offerings. As the tech giant continues to evolve its services and software, some industry observers are speculating about what this means for future mobile video editing tools.
"Clips was never a major player in the market, but it did offer a unique perspective on mobile content creation," said analyst Jan Dawson. "Apple's decision to discontinue support may indicate that they're shifting their focus towards more comprehensive solutions like iMovie and Final Cut Pro."
As users adapt to this change, Apple is urging them to download their Clips videos to their photo library before the app becomes increasingly difficult to use. For those invested in the platform, it remains to be seen how the absence of updates will impact their ability to create and share content.
In related news, Apple has announced plans to continue supporting its iMovie and Final Cut Pro apps, which offer more advanced video editing capabilities. As the company looks to the future, one thing is clear: mobile video editing is evolving, and users will need to adapt to changing landscape of creative tools and services.
*Reporting by Techcrunch.*
