Final Cut Pro for iPad Review: A Good Start

Key takeaways:

• Final Cut Pro for iPad requires a compatible iPad model and additional storage for media.
• The app offers a familiar user interface with added functionality for touch-based editing, including live drawing.
• Some features and capabilities found in the Mac version of Final Cut Pro are missing from the iPad version, such as custom LUTs and third-party plugins.
• Despite limitations, the iPad version can be suitable for starting and assembling projects, but more advanced tasks may require switching to a desktop or laptop.
• The experience of video editing on the iPad is enjoyable, but certain crucial features are absent.

Vjeran Pavicl, a supervising producer at The Verge discusses his experience with Final Cut Pro for iPad and provides a great breakdown of the experience. He notes that the app only works on iPads with M1 or M2 processors, excluding older models. He also highlights the limitation of needing to store all media directly on the iPad, which may require additional storage investment.

The review covers various aspects of the app's functionality. Importing media is straightforward, although certain file types like 360 videos are not supported, and folders cannot be imported. The user interface resembles the desktop version, with additional buttons for inspecting, volume control, animation, and multicam. Some new features are introduced, such as live drawing with an Apple Pencil and a scene removal mask effect, but the app lacks certain capabilities found in the Mac version, such as custom LUTs and third-party plugins.

Vjeran concludes that while editing on the iPad can be enjoyable, there are notable limitations. He mentions missing features and crucial functionalities, such as custom LUTs, third-party plugins, and advanced editing tools like hue and saturation curves. He also suggests that Final Cut Pro for iPad is suitable for starting and assembling projects, but more complex tasks may require transitioning to a desktop or laptop. Despite the limitations, he seemed to enjoy the experience of editing on the iPad and recommend it as a video editing software option for beginners or those seeking a portable solution.