Apple did not want to wait for the WWDC23 to release news. On the one hand, accessibility innovations have been announced that will arrive in iOS 17 even before the official presentation of the operating system. On the other hand, the arrival of an iPad version of two of its professional programs for video editing, Final Cut Pro, and audio, Logic Pro, was announced. However, iPad-adapted versions of these programs have limitations compared to its version for Mac, of course. Today we analyze the major limitations of Final Cut Pro for iPad.
Final Cut Pro for iPad: a long way to go... but some limitations
Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro for iPad were surprise announced a week ago. And a few days ago they officially launched with great desire to explore how Apple had managed to bring such complex programs from macOS to iPadOS. and surprisingly the result is very good with a great adaptation to iPadOS. However, there is still a long way to go and some limitations that we can find if we are familiar with the desktop version.
Today we will analyze the limitations of Final Cut Pro for iPad. Let's remember that the limitations that Apple places for its use are double. On the one hand, iOS version 16.4 or later and, on the other hand, a device with M1 or higher. That is, a fifth or sixth generation iPad Pro and the 5th generation iPad Air. Furthermore, it is an app under monthly or annual subscription with a free month trial.
Comparisons are hateful... especially with filters, effects and transitions
One of the main limitations comparing it with its desktop version it is the lack of filters, effects and transitions in all its senses. Although a wide range has been included in the iPad version, the desktop version has dozens more that could arrive in the future. That is why if you are familiar with the macOS version, it is likely that you may encounter editing limitations in that regard.
On the other hand, no compatibility with extensions or plugins have been incorporated that allow to vitaminize Final Cut Pro. It is likely that Apple, as an idea, could open a development kit for Final Cut Pro plugins for iPad at WWDC23, so the arrival of the plugins is not ruled out for the moment either. The object tracking option is also missing, which is available in macOS but not in iPadOS.
On the other hand, it highlights the lack of compatibility versatility in editing between Mac and iPad. Now when you start a project on the iPad you can continue it on the Mac. But if you start a project on Mac you can't continue on iPad. This creates problems for editors who, if they want to continue their project on the Mac, have to start it from the iPad.
But not all are limitations... there are also exclusive functions
However, as we say, not all are limitations but rather Apple has also dedicated itself to leaving some exclusive function not available on macOS and available on iPadOS. One of them, of course, is the compatibility with the Apple Pencil. That allows access to a wide range of functions such as the possibility of writing on the scene and writing a text by hand or display and scrolling options that make the user experience more fluid.
And another of the functions acclaimed by experts is the ability to capture quality video directly from Final Cut Pro without having to leave the app to later add it to the project. From the same app you can select the modifications of white balance, colors and exposure, as well as determine in which format you want to record highlighting the format Apple ProRes.