Apple acquires photo editing app Pixelmator

Apple has announced its plans to acquire Pixelmator, the highly regarded photo-editing app known for its powerful tools and accessibility on Apple platforms. In a joint announcement, Pixelmator expressed excitement over the new venture, noting that this acquisition opens up opportunities to broaden its reach and impact, especially for creative professionals worldwide. For now, Pixelmator Pro, Pixelmator for iOS, and Photomator will remain unchanged, as the company reassured users that “no material changes” are expected in the immediate future.

As a Lithuanian-founded company that has grown steadily since its inception in 2007, Pixelmator’s journey from a small team to a major player in the creative app market has been remarkable. Known for its cost-effective alternative to Adobe Photoshop, Pixelmator Pro offers users a one-time purchase option for $49.99. This affordability, paired with a robust suite of editing tools, has made it a go-to for users looking to retouch photos, create graphic designs, and produce high-quality imagery. Recently, Pixelmator Pro introduced advanced AI tools to simplify complex tasks like background removal, enhancing its appeal to a broader audience of creatives.

Apple’s acquisition aligns with the tech giant’s ongoing strategy to integrate advanced editing features directly into its software ecosystem, such as the Photos app on macOS, iOS, and the recently launched visionOS. Notably, Apple recently launched the Clean Up tool within iOS, a feature that automatically removes unwanted elements from photos—a direct competitor to Google’s Magic Eraser. With Pixelmator’s robust editing features under its belt, Apple is well-positioned to deliver increasingly sophisticated AI-powered tools to its users.

“We’ve been inspired by Apple since day one, crafting our products with the same razor-sharp focus on design, ease of use, and performance. And looking back, it’s crazy what a small group of dedicated people have been able to achieve over the years from all the way in Vilnius, Lithuania. Now, we’ll have the ability to reach an even wider audience and make an even bigger impact on the lives of creative people around the world,” Pixelmator said in a blog post.

Despite assurances from Pixelmator about its autonomy, Apple’s acquisition history suggests that changes may eventually come to the app’s structure and availability. Apple has previously integrated features from other acquisitions directly into its own apps, such as when it absorbed Dark Sky into its native Weather app after purchasing it in 2020. Yet, Apple also retains independent software like Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro, which continue to thrive as standalone offerings even after many years under Apple’s wing.

The deal is pending regulatory approval, which could introduce some complexities. Recent high-profile acquisitions, like Adobe’s attempt to purchase Figma, have faced significant regulatory pushback. However, if approved, Apple’s acquisition of Pixelmator will not only expand its software portfolio but also reinforce its commitment to providing users with industry-leading creative tools. For Pixelmator, joining forces with Apple could mean a bright future with expanded resources and the ability to make an even greater impact on the creative world.