Apple has quietly removed its quirky video-editing application Clips from the App Store and confirmed that no further updates are planned. Below is a deeper look at why the decision matters, how it fits into Apple’s broader strategy, and what current users should do now.
The Rise of Clips: A Quick Recap
Introduced in April 2017, Clips aimed to make snack-size video creation painless. It blended Snapchat-style effects, automatic captions (Live Titles), music beds, and social-media-ready aspect ratios—all wrapped in a kid-friendly interface. At launch, Clips filled a gap between iMovie’s timeline complexity and the simplicity of the Photos app’s Memories feature.
Why Apple Is Discontinuing Clips
1. Declining Usage and Market Saturation
Third-party analytics firms such as Sensor Tower and App Annie have tracked a steady drop in Clips’ monthly active users since 2021. Meanwhile, TikTok, Instagram Reels, and CapCut captured the same casual-editing demographic with more robust social hooks and AI-driven effects.
2. Feature Overlap With iOS & iPadOS
Several hallmark Clips features—automatic transcription, stickers, and quick soundtrack insertion—have migrated into the native Photos and Messages apps. Apple’s own OS-level video APIs now let developers integrate similar effects directly, reducing the need for a standalone first-party app.
3. Strategic Focus Shift
Insiders point to Apple’s reallocation of engineering resources toward Vision Pro, pro-video (Final Cut Pro for iPad), and generative AI tools slated for upcoming iOS versions. Maintaining an under-performing consumer app no longer aligned with these priorities.
What Happens to Existing Installations?
If you already have Clips installed, it will continue to launch and function on current iOS releases. However, you should note the following:
- No bug fixes: Future iOS updates may break features without warning.
- No iCloud sync improvements: Project files remain local unless manually exported.
- Re-download impossible: Once deleted, the app cannot be redownloaded from the App Store.
Recommended Exit Strategy for Users
1. Export unfinished projects as MP4 files to ensure cross-platform compatibility.
2. Save custom stickers or posters to your Photos library.
3. Take note of soundtrack licensing; some tracks may not be cleared for commercial use outside Clips.
How This Fits Into Apple’s Broader Ecosystem
Apple’s recent software roadmap shows a move toward consolidating consumer creativity tools while expanding pro-grade offerings. Discontinuing Clips mirrors the earlier retirement of iPhoto and Aperture in favor of a unified Photos experience. Expect similar convergence in Apple’s AR/VR content pipeline, where video creation tools may be embedded directly into visionOS.
Best Alternatives for Quick Social Video Editing
If Clips was your go-to, consider these cross-platform substitutes:
- CapCut: Free, TikTok-integrated, with an extensive template library.
- Adobe Premiere Rush: Cloud sync across devices and basic color tools.
- InShot: Simple UI and powerful text overlays.
- iMovie (iOS 17+ “Storyboards” mode): Apple’s own lightweight alternative with guided templates.
Key Takeaways
• Apple has removed Clips from the App Store and ended active development.
• Core Clips features have been absorbed into native iOS apps and third-party solutions.
• Current installations will run for now, but future compatibility is not guaranteed.
• Users should export projects and explore alternative editing apps.
While Clips never reached the cultural relevance of iMovie or the ubiquity of TikTok, it showcased Apple’s experimentation in casual creativity. Its sunset hints at a new chapter where quick-fire video tools become features, not standalone products.
