Apple Ends Pixelmator iOS Updates, Shifts Focus to Pixelmator Pro

Apple has officially confirmed that Pixelmator for iOS, the company's foundational photo editing app, will no longer receive updates. This announcement comes alongside the introduction of Pixelmator Pro for iPad and Apple's new Creator Studio subscription service.

In a dedicated Q&A section on Apple's website, the company stated: "Pixelmator Classic for iOS, released in 2014 as a companion app to the now-discontinued Pixelmator Classic for Mac, provides basic image editing features such as cropping, color adjustments, and effects. It remains a functional app but is no longer being updated."

Practical Implications for Developers and Users

• Legacy App Support: Pixelmator for iOS (version 3.1.16) remains downloadable from the App Store but won't receive compatibility updates for future iOS versions
• Feature Development: All new capabilities will be exclusive to Pixelmator Pro, Apple's subscription-based offering
• Compatibility Risks: As iOS evolves, unmaintained apps may experience stability issues or broken functionality
• Photomator Exception: Apple confirmed Photomator remains available as a separate purchase and will continue receiving updates

Migration Considerations

The transition reflects Apple's strategic shift toward professional creative tools:

1. Pixelmator Pro becomes the primary image editor across iPadOS and macOS, requiring Apple Creator Studio subscription ($12/month)
2. Existing Pixelmator Projects: Users can continue accessing files but should export layered projects before iOS updates
3. API Alignment: Pixelmator Pro leverages newer frameworks like Core ML and Metal 3 unavailable to the legacy app
4. Plugin Ecosystem: Third-party extensions will only be supported in Pixelmator Pro

The last Pixelmator update arrived four months ago, shortly after Apple acquired the Pixelmator team in late 2025. Developers maintaining apps with Pixelmator integration should:

• Audit for Pixelmator SDK dependencies
• Redirect users to Photomator for RAW editing or Pixelmator Pro for advanced workflows
• Monitor Apple's Pixelmator Pro documentation for API changes

While functional today, Pixelmator's discontinuation signals Apple's consolidation around subscription-based creative tools. Developers should evaluate whether Photomator meets basic editing needs or if transitioning users to Pixelmator Pro's subscription model aligns with their app's ecosystem.