TL;DR
Apple added details to a new webpage announcing Pixelmator Pro for iPad and its Apple Creator Studio subscription, confirming that the older Pixelmator Classic for iOS will no longer receive updates. Photomator remains available as a separate App Store purchase and appears likely to continue getting updates, though Apple provided minimal detail.
What happened
Apple published a new page outlining Pixelmator Pro for iPad and Mac alongside its Apple Creator Studio subscription, and included a Q&A that addresses the status of existing Pixelmator-branded iOS apps. The company states that Pixelmator Classic for iOS — originally released in 2014 as a companion to the now-discontinued Mac version — still works for basic image editing (cropping, color adjustments, effects) but "is no longer being updated." Photomator, by contrast, is described as remaining available for separate purchase on the App Store, with Apple offering limited detail about its future. Pixelmator for iOS has continued to receive updates since Apple’s acquisition, with the most recent release noted as version 3.1.16 about four months ago. The page leaves open the possibility of continued minimal maintenance, but the wording indicates Pixelmator Classic may have reached the end of its update lifecycle.
Why it matters
- Users who rely on Pixelmator Classic for iOS should expect no new features and may face growing compatibility or security risks over time.
- Photomator’s continued availability suggests Apple may prioritize different iOS offerings rather than maintaining all legacy apps.
- Apple’s release of Pixelmator Pro for iPad signals a focus on newer, higher-end creative tools on iPadOS.
- People considering new purchases or workflows on iPad should note which Pixelmator-brand apps are actively maintained.
Key facts
- Apple announced Pixelmator Pro for iPad and an Apple Creator Studio subscription on a new webpage.
- That same page includes a Q&A confirming Pixelmator Classic for iOS "is no longer being updated."
- Pixelmator Classic for iOS was first released in 2014 as a companion to the Pixelmator Classic for Mac.
- Apple’s page describes Pixelmator Classic as a functional app offering basic editing tools (crop, color adjustments, effects).
- Photomator remains available as a separate purchase on the App Store and appears positioned to continue receiving updates.
- Pixelmator for iOS received its most recent update roughly four months ago (version 3.1.16).
- Both Pixelmator Classic and Photomator are still downloadable from the App Store per Apple’s page.
- 9to5Mac’s commentary notes Apple could still issue bug-fix updates, but the site interprets the wording as indicating Pixelmator Classic’s update cycle has likely ended.
What to watch next
- Whether Apple issues any future bug-fix updates for Pixelmator Classic — not confirmed in the source
- How feature parity or migration paths between Pixelmator Classic, Photomator, and Pixelmator Pro for iPad will be handled — not confirmed in the source
- If Photomator will receive regular updates or be integrated into other Apple offerings over time — not confirmed in the source
Quick glossary
- Pixelmator Classic: An iOS image-editing app first released in 2014 that provides basic editing tools like cropping, color adjustments, and effects.
- Photomator: A Pixelmator-branded iOS app available as a separate purchase on the App Store; Apple’s page indicates it remains available.
- Pixelmator Pro: A more advanced image-editing application in the Pixelmator family; Apple announced an iPad version on its new webpage.
- App Store: Apple’s digital distribution platform for iOS and iPadOS apps, where users can purchase and download software.
- Apple Creator Studio: A subscription service announced by Apple alongside Pixelmator Pro for iPad; details are included on Apple’s announcement page.
Reader FAQ
Is Pixelmator for iOS discontinued?
Apple says Pixelmator Classic for iOS "is no longer being updated" but that the app remains functional.
Will Photomator continue to receive updates?
Apple’s page states Photomator remains available as a separate purchase; minimal details were provided about future updates.
When was the last Pixelmator for iOS update?
The most recent reported release is version 3.1.16, issued about four months ago.
Can I still download Pixelmator and Photomator?
Both apps are listed as available on the App Store according to Apple’s page.
Apple debuts ‘Apple Creator Studio’ subscription, here’s what you get Chance Miller Jan 13 2026 APPS PIXELMATOR Apple confirms Pixelmator for iOS will no longer receive updates Ryan Christoffel | Jan…
Sources
- Apple confirms Pixelmator for iOS will no longer receive updates
- These Apple Apps Will No Longer Receive All New …
- Apple confirms Pixelmator for iOS will no longer receive …
- Apple Creator Studio: Everything you need to know about …
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