Apple might be gearing up for another big creative push on the iPad.
Newly discovered App Store listings suggest that several of its professional Mac apps, including Pixelmator Pro, Motion, Compressor, and MainStage could soon make their way to iPadOS.
First spotted by MacRumors, these listings appear to reference iPad versions of each app, hinting that Apple may finally be preparing to expand its suite of professional tools beyond Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro, both of which already have tablet editions.
Of the four, Pixelmator Pro is easily the most exciting. Since Apple acquired Pixelmotor in late 2024, fans have been hoping that Apple will bring the potent image editor to the iPad instead of quietly discontinuing it.
In contrast to Pixelmator’s basic iPad version or Apple’s own Photos app, Pixelmator Pro on the Mac provides advanced RAW support, non-destructive adjustments, AI-powered background removal, and full-fledged layer editing in a clear, touch-friendly interface that seems to have been designed for iPadOS.
If Apple brings that same experience to the tablet, it could transform the iPad into an even more capable creative workstation, finally bridging the gap between Mac and iPad workflows.
The other rumoured apps also make sense. Compressor and Motion are companion tools for Final Cut Pro, handling video encoding and visual effects creation, respectively, while MainStage is designed for live music performances and ties into Logic Pro.
Having all of these on iPadOS would give creators more of the Mac’s professional toolkit on a portable device.
There’s no confirmed launch window yet, but the timing feels right. Apple’s new M5 iPad Pro delivers the kind of processing power these apps would need, and the App Store IDs suggest an announcement could come soon. Leaks have also suggested the next iPad Pro could come with iPhone 17 Pro-like cooling, so this is another hint towards the future of the slate.
Pricing remains unknown, though Apple currently charges $4.99 per month or $49 per year for Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro on iPad, while Pixelmator Pro is a one-time $60 purchase on Mac.
Pixelmator Pro may be the key that turns iPadOS into a real professional platform, and if these listings are correct, the iPad may be about to undergo its most significant creative update to date.
