Final Cut Pro 11 Arrives on Mac with Even More AI Features: Magnetic Mask, Spatial Videos Editing, Automatic Subtitles, and More

After over a decade since the launch of Final Cut Pro X, Apple has unveiled the highly anticipated Final Cut Pro 11, signalling a new chapter for video editing on the Mac. This major update brings many advanced features, including AI-powered tools, enhanced workflow improvements, and cross-platform upgrades. The new version is a free update for existing users and is priced at $299 for new customers.

Final Cut Pro 11 from @Apple is here, yes after 13 years version 10 has gone, and has brought some powerful enhancements:

✨ Magnetic Mask – Isolate people or objects without a green screen! Using AI, this tool detects and tracks objects seamlessly.

📝 Transcribe to Captions –… pic.twitter.com/2CoVXYK36J

— Samuel Clarke (@samuelclarke) November 13, 2024

In addition, updates for Final Cut Pro for iPad and Final Cut Camera were also released, enriching Apple’s comprehensive video editing suite. Listed is everything you need to know about the new features coming with Final Cut Pro 11:

Key Features of Final Cut Pro 11

1) Magnetic Mask: Advanced AI-Powered Isolation

One of the standout features of Final Cut Pro 11 is Magnetic Mask, an AI-powered tool that simplifies subject isolation in videos. For example, users can separate a subject from the background, enabling targeted colour adjustments and other edits with one click. This feature leverages the M-series chip’s Neural Engine to deliver fast and accurate results, even on older models like the 10-core M1 Pro MacBook Pro.

Testing revealed impressive performance across various scenarios, including static talking headshots and dynamic snowboarding scenes. While not always pixel-perfect, Magnetic Mask drastically reduces the time-consuming process of rotoscoping, which was previously reliant on software like After Effects. Manual adjustments can still be made for precise fine-tuning, ensuring a balance between automation and user control.

2) Auto-Generated Captions: Streamlined Subtitling

Final Cut Pro 11 also introduces automatic caption generation, using Apple’s on-device language model to transcribe spoken audio directly onto the timeline without cloud processing. The feature is quick and keeps data private but has some limitations. The AI struggled with proper nouns and regular words, leading to occasional misspellings, such as “machine” being rendered as “macine.”

Additionally, the lack of customizable styles for captions means editors seeking unique visuals for platforms like TikTok may need to rely on third-party plug-ins. While the captioning tool is a welcome addition, it lacks the text-based editing capabilities seen in Adobe Premiere Pro, which some editors might find disappointing.

3) Spatial Video Editing: Embracing Immersive Media

As spatial video becomes a more prominent medium, Final Cut Pro 11 now includes spatial video editing capabilities. This feature supports footage captured on devices like the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 16, and Canon cameras equipped with specific dual lenses. Editors can apply colour corrections, effects, and immersive titles with adjustable depth positioning, previewing footage in left- and right-eye views directly on their Mac display or Apple Vision Pro.

This development underscores Apple’s commitment to supporting emerging video formats, positioning Final Cut Pro as a leading tool for future-ready content creators.

4) New Workflow and Editing Enhancements

Final Cut Pro 11 has been released with major new features 🎬

🧲 AI rotoscoping with Magnetic Mask
💬 AI generated Transcribe to Captions
🥽 3D Spatial Video editing
🤫 Automatically hide original clips when using synced/multi-cam clips
📺 New PiP and Callout effects pic.twitter.com/ivQvZH7S8X

— AppleTrack (@appltrack) November 13, 2024

Among the minor yet impactful updates, Apple has rolled out several quality-of-life improvements that enhance user efficiency:

• New Keyboard Shortcuts: Users can move clips between layers using Option + Arrow Up/Down, a small but impactful addition that streamlines timeline organisation.
• Clip Height Adjustment: The pinch gesture allows editors to resize clip heights in the timeline, aiding in better visual management of complex projects.
• Dynamic Picture-in-Picture Mode: The enhanced functionality provides flexible viewing options for multitasking.

Enhancements to Final Cut Pro for iPad

Moreover, Final Cut Pro for iPad has seen significant updates. The AI-enabled “Enhance Light and Color” tool, initially introduced for the desktop, is now available for iPad users. This tool automatically adjusts colour balance, contrast, and brightness, providing a solid starting point for further colour grading. Editors can also benefit from new modular transitions and expanded soundtrack options.

For instance, integrating haptic feedback enhances the tactile experience when using the Apple Pencil Pro or Magic Keyboard. Actions like trimming video clips and dragging media across the timeline now come with subtle vibrations, making the editing process feel more interactive and precise.

Despite these advancements, the iPad version still lags behind its desktop counterpart in certain areas. Essential features like custom LUTs and advanced file management are still missing, pushing some users to prefer alternatives like DaVinci Resolve, which offers a near-desktop experience on the iPad.

Improvements to Final Cut Camera 1.1: Smarter Filming Tools

Lastly, Apple has updated Final Cut Camera to version 1.1, adding new tools for on-the-go filmmakers:

• HEVC Log Recording: Users can now capture HEVC-encoded Log video with high dynamic range control and reduced file sizes. This feature supports standalone and Live Multicam recording.
• LUT Previews: A new addition allowing users to see how different LUTs affect footage in real time, facilitating better shooting decisions.
• Level Indicator: Ensures more accurate framing with tilt and roll indicators, making it easier to achieve perfectly aligned shots.

Parting Thoughts

Considering everything, Final Cut Pro 11 represents a significant step forward for Apple’s video editing suite, incorporating AI tools and new media capabilities that enhance workflow efficiency and creative potential. However, to fully compete with industry leaders like Adobe Premiere Pro and DaVinci Resolve, Apple must address user requests such as text-based editing, more robust colouring options, and custom captioning capabilities.

Will it sway users? While some features like Magnetic Mask are enticing enough to draw attention from seasoned editors using competing software, the broader adoption will likely hinge on how future updates address these existing gaps.

For more tech or AI-related news, follow our Twitter page for timely updates on the latest announcements from the leading tech companies.