As anticipated, Apple has unveiled the latest major version of Final Cut Pro, packed with numerous enhancements that are bound to delight video editors. Final Cut Pro 11 introduces spatial video editing features, the ability to transcribe audio into captions, a magnetic mask tool, and much more.
Significantly, Final Cut Pro 11 is the first version that breaks away from the 10.x naming convention since Apple omitted the ‘X’ in 2020. Also announced were updates to Final Cut Pro for iPad, version 2.1, along with improvements for Final Cut Camera. These announcements follow closely behind the release of Logic Pro 11.1 today, which offers powerful updates for creative professionals.
Spatial Video Editing
A standout improvement in Final Cut Pro 11 is the long-awaited spatial video editing feature introduced at WWDC this summer. Apple now provides spatial video import, editing, and delivery support, enabling users to import spatial footage recorded on iPhones into Mac for editing and subsequently deliver it for viewing on the Apple Vision Pro.
Spatial video capture is compatible with the Apple Vision Pro, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and any device from the iPhone 16 series. Additionally, there’s compatibility with Canon’s new RF-S7.8mm F4 STM DUAL lens, designed for APS-C cameras like the Canon R7.
Once you have your spatial footage, simply drop it into the Final Cut Pro project timeline for editing and delivery. The workflow for editing spatial videos resembles traditional 2D video editing, but with new export controls to optimize the final product.
Users can export their spatial content directly to their Photos App Library, view it instantly on the Vision Pro, or share it through the new Vimeo app for Apple Vision Pro.
Recently, Blackmagic Design, a competitor of Final Cut Pro with its DaVinci Resolve software, rolled out updates that included support for both spatial video encoding and spatial photo decoding, which I found to be quite user-friendly.
Transcribe to Captions
As teased during its Mac mini presentation, Apple has integrated AI-assisted transcription directly into Final Cut Pro. This feature benefits significantly from Apple’s new M4 hardware, enabling speech-to-text processing that is up to 13 times faster than Intel Macs.
The new “Transcribe to Captions” feature can be accessed through the color evaluation and audio enhancement options, represented by a magic wand icon below the viewer. Users only need to select the audio source intended for caption generation, click “Transcribe to Captions,” and Final Cut Pro will automatically take care of the rest, utilizing a powerful large language model trained by Apple for transcription.
This feature is particularly advantageous for content creators, especially those focusing on short-form videos. While caption transcription is not brand new and has been implemented by various companies, the significant difference here is that Apple’s solution is built right into Final Cut Pro and is available for free to existing users with the version 11 update.
Magnetic Mask
Another new AI-driven feature showcased during Apple’s Mac mini event is the Magnetic Mask. Despite minimal details provided during the preview, it was demonstrated during the Final Cut Pro segment of the presentation.
Initially, there were assumptions that the Magnetic Mask would enhance the masking process by easily snapping to high-contrast areas. In their press release, Apple confirmed that this feature allows editors to isolate people and objects in videos without requiring a green screen or extensive rotoscoping. The Magnetic Mask can be integrated with other color grading tools and effects for more tailored stylization.
Final Cut Pro is increasingly becoming a central hub for Apple’s AI initiatives on the Mac. The newly introduced Transcribe to Captions and Magnetic Mask features complement a suite of other AI-enabled tools such as Smart Conform, Enhance Light and Color, Smooth Slo-Mo, and Voice Isolation.
Final Cut Pro 11 Release Notes
Unleash your creativity with the innovative AI-powered Magnetic Mask, enabling easy isolation of people, objects, and shapes within any footage without needing a green screen or tedious manual rotoscoping.
• Utilize “Transcribe to Captions” to swiftly generate captions from spoken audio in the timeline using an advanced AI language model designed for speed and precision. (Requires a Mac with Apple silicon and macOS Sequoia or later.)
• Import and edit spatial video clips from the Apple Vision Pro or iPhone 15 Pro and later; add titles, perform color correction, and apply effects, then share captivating spatial projects compatible with Apple Vision Pro. (Requires a Mac with Apple silicon.)
• Streamline your browser interface by automatically concealing original clips when creating synced or multicam clips.
• Implement Vertical Zoom to Fit, adjusting clip heights to fit within the timeline.
• Enhance your creative process with new Picture in Picture and Callout effects.
• Create stunning visual transitions with new Modular effects.
• Boost efficiency through newly established keyboard shortcuts for common browser and timeline actions.
• Expand format compatibility with third-party Media Extensions for playback and editing of additional video formats. (Requires macOS Sequoia or later.)
Final Cut for iPad 2.1
Apple has also launched the next iteration of Final Cut Pro for iPad, version 2.1, which introduces several features aimed at enhancing the editing experience on the iPad:
- Enhanced Light and Color capabilities.
- Haptic feedback support for Apple Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard.
- New vertical pinch gesture to adjust clip height dynamically in the timeline.
- Flexible sizing and positioning of the viewer in Picture in Picture mode.
- Timeline support for recordings at 90 fps, 100 fps, and 120 fps on iPhone 16 Pro.
- New Live Drawing inks: watercolor, crayon, fountain pen, and monoline pen.
- Additional modular transitions, color grading presets, and dynamic soundtracks.
- Highlighting and overlaying visuals made easier with Picture in Picture and Callout effects.
- A fresh set of keyboard shortcuts!
Final Cut Camera has also seen significant updates, allowing for the capture of Log-encoded HEVC video without needing to run Live Multicam sessions—a fantastic boost to workflow efficiency! Now you can enable a LUT preview while recording Log footage and enjoy 4K120fps recording on iPhone 16 Pro.
DMN’s Take
Final Cut Pro 11 offers numerous substantial advancements, with the Transcribe to Captions feature being among the most anticipated updates. This is undeniably a considerable upgrade across the board, justifying its new “11” designation. It’s accessible as a free update for current users, while new users can acquire it for $299 or try it out with a free 90-day trial.
What are your thoughts on Final Cut Pro 11? Share your opinions in the comments!
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