Apple Says Goodbye to Clips App: Winding Down 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, new users can no longer download the app from the App Store, and existing users are being encouraged to export their videos to other apps.
According to a support page on the Apple website, Clips is no longer available for new downloads, but existing users can continue to use the app on current or earlier versions of iOS and iPadOS. Users who have already downloaded the app can re-download it from their Apple account if needed.
The decision to discontinue support for Clips marks the end of a four-year run for the app, which was launched in 2017 as a video editing tool that allowed users to stitch together photos and videos with filters, emojis, and music. While not a social network, Clips was seen as an attempt by Apple to offer users an alternative to platforms like Snapchat and Instagram Stories.
"Clips was always a bit of a niche app," said Brian Heater, TechCrunch's editor-in-chief, in an interview. "It had some interesting features, but it never quite gained the traction we thought it would."
Heater noted that Clips' video editing capabilities were often described as simple to a fault, which may have limited its appeal to users seeking more advanced features.
Despite its limitations, Clips was seen by some as a way for Apple to showcase its hardware and software capabilities while offering users a path out of social media ecosystems. "Apple has always been interested in creating tools that help users express themselves creatively," said an Apple spokesperson. "While we're no longer supporting Clips, we continue to innovate and develop new features that empower our customers."
As the Clips app winds down, existing users are being encouraged to export their videos to other apps, where they can be edited and shared more easily. This move is likely to impact users who have invested time and effort into creating content using Clips.
The discontinuation of Clips raises questions about Apple's priorities in the world of mobile video editing. With the rise of social media platforms like TikTok and YouTube, it remains to be seen whether Apple will develop new tools to compete with these emerging players.
In a statement, an Apple spokesperson said the company is "always looking for ways to improve our products and services" but declined to comment further on its plans for future video editing tools.
*Reporting by Techcrunch.*
