Entry-Level iPad Now Supports Final Cut Pro After Long Wait

Apple's latest 11th-generation iPad has finally made a significant leap by supporting Final Cut Pro, a professional video editing software. Although it does not feature Apple Intelligence, it is equipped with the A16 Bionic chip, which enhances its capabilities compared to the previous iPad 10 model. This upgrade has been confirmed in the system requirements for Final Cut Pro, allowing the entry-level iPad to utilize the video editing program that was launched for the platform in 2023.

One notable improvement is that the A16 Bionic chip incorporates 6 GB of LPDDR5X RAM, compared to the 4 GB of LPDDR4X RAM found in the iPad 10. Apple has stated that Final Cut Pro requires at least iPadOS 17.6 and a device with either an M-Series chip or the A16 chip or newer. Previously, the requirements indicated only M-Series or the A17 Pro.

Final Cut Pro brings a host of features that were previously exclusive to Mac, making them available on Apple's tablets as well. The software is relatively affordable compared to its Mac counterpart, with subscription options available at EUR4.99 per month or EUR49 annually, while the standalone Mac version retails for EUR299.

However, users hoping to access the full range of Final Cut Pro functionalities on the iPad 11 may be disappointed. Certain features, such as ProRes recording and the ability to use an Apple Pencil for timeline navigation, are not supported due to hardware limitations of the iPad 11. Nevertheless, the device can run the iPadOS version of Logic Pro, which had already been compatible with iPads using the A12 Bionic chip and newer.

The entry-level iPad is priced starting at EUR399 in Germany, excluding 5G connectivity, and is available in four colors with a minimum storage of 128 GB. Users can opt for a fully-equipped model with 512 GB and 5G capabilities, which can cost up to EUR949. Notably, the absence of Apple Intelligence support has been flagged, even as other devices in Apple's lineup, including the newly introduced iPhone 16e, feature this technology. The iPhone 15 and 15 Plus, still available for purchase, also do not support Apple Intelligence.