Apple Unveils Final Cut Pro 11 with Enhanced AI Features and Workflow Improvements

Apple’s video editing software, Final Cut Pro, has taken a leap forward with the release of Final Cut Pro 11, introducing advanced AI capabilities for a streamlined user experience. This update, available as a free upgrade for existing users or as a new purchase for $299 (~₹24,900), offers key enhancements such as automatic masking, autogenerated captions, and spatial video editing for immersive projects.

Advanced AI Masking with Magnetic Mask

One of the standout features is the new Magnetic Mask, which leverages AI to simplify isolating subjects in footage. With one click, users can separate subjects from backgrounds, enhancing color adjustments and effects on specific areas. This feature, though not pixel-perfect, significantly reduces manual work for users, especially in dynamic footage.

Autogenerated Captions for Accessible Content

Final Cut Pro 11 also introduces a local, on-device caption generator, using an Apple-trained language model. This feature helps users quickly add captions to videos, enhancing accessibility and viewer engagement. While it’s fast, minor errors in common nouns and proper names do occur, and there are limited styling options.

Spatial Video Editing and Additional Enhancements

With spatial video editing now included, creators can edit immersive content for Vision Pro devices, tapping into Apple’s growing focus on augmented reality. Additionally, several new keyboard shortcuts, modular transitions, and expanded color and lighting presets enhance workflow customization.

Final Cut Pro Updates for iPad

The iPad version receives an enhanced light and color AI tool, additional color presets, and modular transitions. It also integrates haptic feedback with the Apple Pencil, adding a tactile layer to video editing. However, some desktop features, such as custom LUTs, remain missing, limiting its appeal compared to alternatives like DaVinci Resolve on the iPad.

Final Cut Camera Enhancements

Apple’s Final Cut Camera app now supports HEVC Log capture, offering efficient storage options alongside ProRes. A new level indicator helps creators frame shots with precision, while HEVC 120fps capture and LUT previews during recording make for an enriched filming experience.

Conclusion

While the update brings impressive AI tools and workflow improvements, Final Cut Pro 11 still lacks features like text-based editing and custom caption styling. These new additions, particularly Magnetic Mask, position Final Cut Pro as a stronger competitor to Adobe Premiere and DaVinci Resolve, potentially attracting new users to Apple’s video editing ecosystem.