The iPad App We've Been Longing For: Apple, Don't Let Us Down!
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Chapter 1: Anticipation for Final Cut on iPad
A recent tweet from Majin Bu hinted that “Apple is developing a version of Final Cut for the iPad.” However, Bu cautions that this version may lack many features found in the Pro model, particularly regarding local plugin management. There are also no announcements about a potential launch for a management tool aimed at Final Cut Pro projects stored in iCloud. An intriguing image accompanying the tweet displayed an app icon labeled 'Final Cut Cloud'.
This news raises numerous questions for me. While I’m unsure of Majin Bu's credibility, the possibility of Apple creating an iPad version of Final Cut excites and concerns me at the same time. The stakes are high, and they must handle this project with care.
Section 1.1: Key Features Needed
To succeed, Apple should resist the urge to scale down the feature set. The mention of Final Cut’s 'Pro' title in Bu's tweet gives me pause. If Apple plans to omit features deemed unsuitable for iPadOS, they might as well halt development altogether. I expect a robust, comprehensive version of Final Cut Pro on the iPad; anything less would be of little use to me and likely to many other professionals.
Subsection 1.1.1: The M1 Chip's Potential
The presence of the M1 chip in the iPad is a game changer, and I've been vocal about this. Until Apple truly leverages both iPadOS and its professional applications, the M1 in the iPad Air and iPad Pro feels underutilized.
Chapter 2: Seamless Integration and Performance
This is a pivotal moment for Apple to deliver a professional-grade app that allows video editors, like myself, to transition effortlessly from Mac to an iPad with touch support and remarkable portability. A feature-deficient iPad version of Final Cut would not be viable.
The first video discusses the potential consequences of Apple's development choices. Titled "Apple: PLEASE don't mess this up...", it dives into expectations and concerns surrounding the iPad app.
Section 2.1: Improving Library Management
Final Cut Pro struggles with library efficiency, often leading to massive file sizes that aren't practical for cloud use. Apple must rethink how libraries are created and maintained or implement a proxy-based file syncing system with iCloud.
I would love to effortlessly start an edit on my MacBook Pro and then continue it on my iPad Pro at a café before hitting the gym. This workflow needs to be smooth, and the current library management in Final Cut Pro raises doubts about that.
The second video, "OnPOD EP128 - Please don't mess this up Microsoft!", offers a parallel discussion on the importance of robust app functionality in a competitive environment.
Section 2.2: Harnessing the M1 Chip
I can’t emphasize this enough: the M1 chip should be fully exploited in the iPad models. There has been too much hype without tangible results. Final Cut Pro should take full advantage of the M1’s capabilities to transform the iPad into a stellar mobile video editing tool.
Shared resources between the Mac and iPad would revolutionize the creative process. My podcast co-host, Rob, envisions a future where both devices work in tandem, leveraging Apple silicon and the cohesive Apple ecosystem.
Section 2.3: Support for Third-Party Plugins
The iPad version of Final Cut must include support for a wide range of third-party plugins available today. Without this capability, the app would be rendered ineffective. I depend on various plugins for all my YouTube videos, and the inability to access or modify them on the iPad would make it impractical.
In closing, I hope Apple takes this opportunity seriously. If the iPad's Final Cut is watered down or overly restricted, it will not harness the iPad's full potential for professionals like me. We already have iMovie; it’s time to see what Apple can genuinely accomplish with mobile video editing.
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