Apple is set to acquire Pixelmator, a popular image editing app for Mac and iOS, pending regulatory approval. Pixelmator shared the news on its blog, expressing enthusiasm about the potential for an expanded reach and a greater impact on creative users globally.
In its statement, Pixelmator assured users that no significant changes are planned for its suite of apps—Pixelmator Pro, Pixelmator for iOS, and Photomator—at this time, with updates to come in the future. Specific financial or logistical details of the deal haven't been disclosed.
Pixelmator’s acquisition follows a series of strategic software purchases by Apple, like Dark Sky, whose weather technology was eventually integrated into Apple’s native weather app after its shutdown. However, other Apple-owned applications, such as Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro, have continued to thrive as standalone products.
Pixelmator Pro has gained traction over the years as a powerful, affordable alternative to Adobe Photoshop, available for a one-time payment of $49.99. The app’s recent update introduced enhanced AI masking capabilities, allowing users to remove image backgrounds effortlessly. This acquisition could potentially bring Pixelmator's advanced tools into Apple's ecosystem, possibly even integrated into macOS or iOS for a seamless creative experience.