Apple Inc. has agreed to acquire Pixelmator, a well-known software company that offers advanced photo-editing applications for Mac, iPad, and iPhone users. Pixelmator announced the acquisition in a blog post on Friday, revealing that its Lithuania-based team would be joining Apple’s ranks. Founded 17 years ago by brothers Saulius and Aidas Dailide, Pixelmator has maintained a close connection with Apple, with its software often featured in Apple’s marketing events, most recently in an iPad showcase last month.
The main app, Pixelmator Pro, is known for its professional-grade editing tools, including features similar to those found in Adobe’s Photoshop and Illustrator, such as layer management and vector editing. Pixelmator Pro also integrates with Apple-specific technologies like iCloud, Shortcuts, and the iPad’s Pencil, allowing for seamless functionality across Apple devices. “We’ve been inspired by Apple since day one,” Pixelmator stated in its blog, adding that the acquisition offers the company an opportunity to “reach an even wider audience.”
For Apple, this acquisition marks a return to high-end photo editing, filling the gap left when it discontinued its Aperture software nearly a decade ago. In recent years, Apple has been introducing professional-grade apps like Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro to the iPad through subscription options. The addition of Pixelmator Pro, which costs $50 for Mac and $10 for iPad and iPhone, complements these efforts and enhances Apple’s photo-editing offerings for its users.
While Apple confirmed the acquisition, specific terms were not disclosed. Pixelmator assured users that no immediate changes would be made to the software and that further updates will be announced in the future. This acquisition is one of Apple’s few recent purchases, with its largest acquisition remaining the $3 billion Beats deal in 2014.
