Apple buys Pixelmator, a popular image editor for Mac

Apple will buy Pixelmatorimage editing software for iOS and Mac. The technology giant entered into an agreement with the company to acquire it and integrate the team into its ranks. With your purchase, Apple will purchase apps such as Pixelmator Pro, Pixelmator for iOS and Photomator.

In a blog post, the Pixelmator team announced the acquisition, which will allow them to reach a wider audience and have a greater impact on creatives. This acquisition won’t bring any significant changes to the iOS and Mac apps, so users can breathe easy (for now).

“Apple has inspired us from day one, creating our products with the same focus on design, ease of use and performance,” the company said. “And looking back, it’s crazy what a small group of dedicated people from Vilnius, Lithuania have been able to achieve over the years.”

Details of the agreement are unknown, although still requires regulatory approval for completion.

What is Pixelmator and why did Apple buy it?

When one thinks of image editing software for Mac, the first thing that comes to mind is Photoshop. Although Adobe is linked to Apple’s history, other applications emerged as alternatives in the 2000s. One of them is. Pixelmatorfounded in Lithuania by brothers Saulius and Aidas Dailide.

Pixelmator released its first version in September 2007 for Mac OS.. The program had tools for highlighting, painting, retouching, color correction and layer-by-layer image editing. Unlike other cross-platform editors, Pixelmator took advantage of Mac capabilities such as Core Image technology and Power PC processors.

Over time, Pixelmator gets more editing options and support for Retina displays and Apple Pencil. In 2017, the developers released a redesign with a new user interface and support for video editing and vector graphics. This version, known as Pixelmator Pro, again relied on Apple technology and integrated its services, although its main advantage is that it does not require a subscription (like Photoshop).

The developers also released a mobile version of Pixelmator, which debuted on the iPad and later appeared on the iPhone. Finally, the Photomator app was released for iOS and macOS for those who just wanted to edit their photos. This software is similar to Lightroom and offers support for RAW formats, automatic correction tools, and AI-powered features.

Buying Pixelmator is a logical step for AppleAfter all, image editing software has given Photoshop a struggle for 17 years. The most recent versions use artificial intelligence and machine learning to enhance photos, correct color, and apply changes in a non-destructive environment.