Apple is taking its professional video and audio editing apps to new heights with the latest updates for both iPad and Mac. Unveiled alongside the new iPad Pro models, these refreshed versions of Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro aim to empower creators with even more powerful tools and capabilities.

Starting on May 13th, Logic Pro will make its debut on the App Store, available for both iPad and Mac platforms. Final Cut Pro enthusiasts, on the other hand, will have to wait a little longer, as the next iteration for both devices is slated for release later this spring. Notably, these updates will be free for existing users of the macOS and iPadOS versions.

Final Cut Pro for the iPad, dubbed “Final Cut Pro for iPad 2,” finally introduces support for external projects, a highly anticipated feature that allows users to create and access projects stored on external storage devices. This eliminates the need to import media files onto the iPad’s internal storage, a significant boon for on-the-go editors working with massive video files that can quickly consume even the highest storage tiers.

Another standout addition is Live Multicam, which enables users to record, monitor, and even adjust settings like exposure, focus, and zoom for up to four other iPhones or iPads being used for filming simultaneously. This feature opens up new possibilities for multi-camera productions and streamlines the entire process.

Complementing Live Multicam is the introduction of Final Cut Camera, a new app for iPhone and iPad that offers professional-level control over various camera settings, including white balance, manual focus, ISO, and shutter speed. While the app is free for all users, it is primarily designed to work seamlessly with the Live Multicam feature in Final Cut Pro.

On the Mac side, Final Cut Pro version 10.8 debuts Enhance Light and Color, a powerful editing tool that promises to “improve color balance, contrast, and brightness in one simple step.” Apple assures that this feature is optimized for a wide range of video formats, including SDR, HDR, RAW, and Log-encoded video.

Not to be outdone, Logic Pro for iPad 2 brings its own set of groundbreaking features. Building upon the app’s automated drummer capabilities, Apple has introduced new AI-generated bass and keyboard instruments, further expanding the creative possibilities for musicians and producers.

Additionally, the Stem Splitter feature utilizes on-device AI to separate recordings into four distinct components: drums, bass, vocals, and “other instruments.” This innovative tool streamlines the process of isolating and manipulating individual elements within a track.

Pushing the boundaries of audio processing even further, Apple has unveiled ChromaGlow, a machine learning-powered reverb effect that promises “ultrarealistic warmth, presence, and punch.” Users can choose from five different saturation styles, ranging from “nostalgic vintage warmth” to more extreme and customizable options.

While both ChromaGlow and Stem Splitter will be available on the Mac version of Logic Pro, it’s important to note that these features will not work on older Intel-based Macs. Apple requires its own silicon chips, such as the M-series, to leverage these cutting-edge capabilities on desktops and laptops.

To take advantage of the new iPad versions, users will need to update to either iPadOS 17.4 or macOS Ventura 13.5, depending on their device. For the best performance on the iPad, Apple recommends its M-series Apple silicon chips for features like Logic Pro’s Session Players and ChromaGlow, while Stem Splitter requires an M-series chip.

Introduced last year, the iPad versions of Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro are available at a more accessible price point compared to their Mac counterparts, offering a $4.99 per month or $49 per year subscription model. This contrasts with the one-time fees of $299.99 for Final Cut Pro and $199.99 for Logic Pro on the Mac platform.