Pixelmator Pro finally arrives on iPad, but only through Apple’s Creator Studio

Apple has officially launched Pixelmator Pro for iPad, giving users a powerful tool for editing photos right on their tablets. This new app is built with a touch-friendly workspace, designed to make photo editing easier and more fun using the iPad's touch screen. It also works smoothly with the Apple Pencil, allowing users to use pressure, hover, squeeze, and double tap features. These tools help make editing more precise and natural, bringing features that professional photo editors want into the hands of everyday users. One of the most important aspects of this release is its compatibility. Pixelmator Pro for iPad works only on certain newer iPads. Specifically, it is compatible with models that have the A16, A17 Pro, or M1 chips. These are some of the most recent and powerful chips used in iPads. The app also requires iPadOS 26 or a later version. This means that only users with updated hardware and software can use the app, which ensures the best performance and access to all features. Apple’s focus is on providing a high-quality experience on devices that have strong processing power. The app offers many features that make professional editing easier. It includes a Layers sidebar, which helps users organize and work with different elements in their photos. It also has smart selection tools that help select parts of an image quickly and accurately. Advanced masks are available to control which areas are affected during editing. Features like Super Resolution can improve the quality of photos when enlarging them, and Deband reduces unwanted color banding in images. These tools are designed to help both beginners and experienced editors create beautiful images with ease. Pixelmator Pro for iPad is available in two ways. Users can subscribe through the Apple Creator Studio, a new subscription bundle launched by Apple in January 2026. This gives users access to Pixelmator Pro, along with other popular Apple creative apps like Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro. The subscription costs $12.99 per month, or $129 if paid annually. Subscribing provides access to regular updates and some new artificial intelligence features that are not available through the one-time purchase option. For users who prefer a one-time payment, there is an option to buy Pixelmator Pro for Mac at a price of $49.99. However, this version does not include some of the latest AI-powered features that are exclusive to the subscription. This setup allows users to choose what best suits their needs—whether they want a one-time purchase or ongoing access through a subscription. The announcement of Pixelmator Pro for iPad was made in January 2026, and it became available shortly after in the same month. The creation of the Apple Creator Studio subscription bundle was also announced at the same time, making it a significant move for Apple’s ecosystem. This bundle aims to give creative professionals and hobbyists a centralized platform for their editing needs, integrating multiple powerful tools into one simple subscription. This release is significant because it expands the options available to iPad users for creative work. With powerful editing features now in a mobile device, users can work on their photos and videos more easily, whether for personal projects, social media, or professional work. The integration of Pixelmator Pro into the Apple ecosystem through the new subscription adds more value for users who already use Apple products. Apple’s decision to include Pixelmator Pro in the Creator Studio bundle reflects a strategic move. It shows that Apple wants to support creative professionals by offering powerful tools at their fingertips. Since Apple acquired Pixelmator in 2024, this launch demonstrates its commitment to developing and integrating high-quality creative apps within its ecosystem. As of now, there has been no official confirmation about Pixelmator Pro being available for the iPhone. However, users are hopeful that similar tools may come to iPhone in the future, making professional photo editing even more portable and accessible. In summary, Apple’s launch of Pixelmator Pro for iPad marks an exciting step for creative users. It combines professional editing tools with the convenience of a tablet, supported by a flexible subscription model. This move positions Apple as a strong player in the digital creative space, providing users with more ways to create and edit images on the go. It also underscores the company’s ongoing efforts to build a comprehensive ecosystem of creative applications that cater to both amateurs and professionals alike.