Pixelmator, a Lithuania-based software company known for its powerful and intuitive image editing tools on macOS and iOS, has announced its acquisition by Apple. As a popular, non-subscription alternative to Adobe’s Photoshop, Pixelmator’s suite has been a favorite among photographers and designers seeking powerful, one-time purchase tools. The acquisition will bring Pixelmator Pro, Photomator, and Pixelmator for iOS under Apple’s ownership. While the acquisition price remains undisclosed, Pixelmator reassured users that its popular photo-editing apps will continue to be available without immediate changes. Pending regulatory approval, Pixelmator’s small but focused team will integrate with Apple, bringing along their 17 years of expertise in design-focused, intuitive editing tools.

Pixelmator Pro, currently available for a one-time purchase of $49.99 on the Mac App Store, has gained a reputation as a high-quality, non-subscription alternative to Adobe’s Photoshop. Photomator, another app in the Pixelmator suite, is available with multiple pricing options: $79.99 for lifetime access, $7.99 monthly, or $29.99 annually. This pricing has been a draw for users looking for affordable, powerful photo-editing tools.

With Apple’s acquisition, Pixelmator’s software suite may slot comfortably into Apple’s existing pro app lineup, filling a gap in image editing. Apple’s Final Cut Pro covers video editing, while Logic Pro addresses music production, making Pixelmator a natural fit for advanced photo editing and digital design. 

In a blog post, the Pixelmator team reflected on its journey:

“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. 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.”

However, Apple’s history of app acquisitions raises questions about Pixelmator’s future as a standalone product. Some of Apple’s past acquisitions, such as Dark Sky and Workflow, have been absorbed into Apple’s core apps, resulting in the original apps being phased out. Yet, Apple has also retained the independence of apps like Logic Pro and Final Cut Pro, giving hope to Pixelmator users that the app may continue to be available as a one-time purchase option.

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Apple’s acquisition of Pixelmator signals potential changes in its approach to creative software. While Pixelmator has reassured users about continued app availability, the future could see Pixelmator’s tools rebranded under Apple’s professional offerings. Speculation is already circulating about a potential “Photos Pro” that could be available on the App Store as a subscription, akin to Apple’s Logic Pro and Final Cut Pro.

For Apple, a “Photos Pro” app could fill the gap left by the discontinuation of Aperture in 2015, reintroducing a high-powered, pro-level photo editing subscription option within its suite. The deal taps into Pixelmator’s strengths as a pro-level tool with accessibility for both amateur and seasoned photographers, aligning with Apple’s design philosophy.  It also highlights Apple’s ambition to capture a larger share of the creative software market, further solidifying its subscription services market position for professional-grade tools for image, video, and music production.