Pixelmator, the well-known photo editing app developer, announced its upcoming acquisition by Apple in a recent blog post. This news, initially reported by 9to5Mac, is subject to regulatory approval. The Pixelmator team assures users that no immediate changes are planned for their applications.
Pixelmator offers two primary apps: Pixelmator Pro, a professional image editing software available for a one-time purchase of $50, and Photomator, a free photo editing app. Pixelmator Pro presents a more affordable and accessible alternative to industry giants like Photoshop, boasting a comprehensive suite of features including color adjustments, AI-powered background removal, and illustration tools. Photomator, a highly regarded Mac app for years, is also available on iPhone, iPad, and even Apple Vision Pro.
Pixelmator running on a Mac, iPad, and iPhone.Pixelmator app interface across different Apple devices.
While Pixelmator has stated that no immediate changes are expected, the long-term impact of the acquisition remains uncertain. Apple’s history with acquired apps reveals a mixed bag. Some, like Dark Sky (acquired in 2020), were eventually shut down, while others, such as Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro, continue to operate independently.
The potential integration of Photomator’s technology into Apple’s native Photos app presents an exciting opportunity. Given the limited editing capabilities of the current Photos app, incorporating features from Photomator could significantly enhance photo editing on iPhones and other Apple devices.
The acquisition is pending regulatory approval, which, while typically straightforward, can be unpredictable, especially for large corporations like Apple. Regulatory bodies are increasingly scrutinizing acquisitions by tech giants. While mergers between industry behemoths like Nvidia and Arm often face greater scrutiny, the cumulative effect of Apple acquiring numerous smaller companies could also draw regulatory attention.
