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Apple has clarified what happened to the Pixelmator apps. The original iPhone and iPad editor is now called Pixelmator Classic for iOS. It remains functional and listed in the App Store, but Apple says it is no longer being updated. The companion Mac app is discontinued. Photomator remains available as a separate App Store purchase, while Pixelmator Pro is Apple’s actively promoted professional editor for Mac and iPad.
Apple has not removed every Pixelmator app. Its current position is more specific: the original iPhone and iPad editor is now treated as Pixelmator Classic for iOS. It remains functional and listed in the App Store, but Apple says it is no longer being updated. The matching Mac application, Pixelmator Classic for Mac, is discontinued.
Photomator is still available as a separate App Store purchase. Apple has not announced that it is discontinuing Photomator, replacing it with Apple Photos, or folding it into Pixelmator Pro. Meanwhile, Apple is directing users who want an actively promoted, professional layer-based editor toward Pixelmator Pro, now available on Mac and iPad.
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What happened to the original Pixelmator app?
The original Pixelmator app for iPhone and iPad, released in 2014, has effectively moved into maintenance-only status. Apple’s current Pixelmator product page calls it Pixelmator Classic for iOS and says that it remains functional but is no longer being updated.
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- WHY APPLE PENCIL - With pixel-perfect precision, tilt sensitivity, and low latency, Apple Pencil (USB-C) makes note-taking, signing documents, and drawing easy at an affordable price. It pairs and charges via USB-C and can magnetically attach to your iPad.
- COMPATIBILITY - Apple Pencil (USB-C) works with iPad Pro 13-inch (M4 and M5); iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th generation); iPad Pro 11-inch (M4 and M5); iPad Pro 11-inch (1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th generation); iPad Air 13-inch (M2, M3, M4); iPad Air 11-inch (M2 and M3); iPad Air (4th and 5th generation); iPad (A16), iPad mini (A17 Pro), iPad mini (6th generation); and iPad (10th generation).
- EASY AND NATURAL - Write, sketch, and draw with pixel-perfect precision. Apple Pencil (USB-C) does it all with low latency and tilt sensitivity. Apple Pencil pairs and charges via USB-C and features a flat edge that attaches magnetically.
- TRANSFORMS IPAD INTO A CANVAS - Draw, sketch, color, take notes, and mark up documents. Use built-in apps like Notes and Freeform, or choose from over a million more apps available on the App Store. And for pros, use Apple Pencil hover on iPad Pro and iPad Air to preview your mark before you make it.
- WHAT'S IN THE BOX - Apple Pencil (USB-C)
That means existing users can continue to open and use the app while it remains compatible with their device and version of iOS or iPadOS. It does not mean that Apple is promising new tools, bug fixes, security work, or compatibility updates for future operating-system releases.
The U.S. App Store listing still shows Pixelmator as available for iPhone and iPad, with a listed price of $9.99 in the United States and Apple as the developer. The app retains the older Pixelmator workflow, including layers, painting, retouching, color adjustments, effects, templates, and export tools. Its continued listing should not be mistaken for active development.
Is Pixelmator Classic for Mac discontinued?
Yes. Apple identifies the original Mac application as Pixelmator Classic for Mac and describes it as discontinued. For professional, layer-based editing on Mac, Apple’s current direction is Pixelmator Pro rather than the Classic Mac application.
Existing Mac users should preserve their editable project files and exported artwork instead of assuming that an old installation will remain usable indefinitely. Apple has not published a specific shutdown date for the iOS app, and “no longer being updated” is not the same as an announcement that it will stop launching immediately. The practical risk is future compatibility: an operating-system change, file-format issue, or device migration may eventually expose a problem that no update will fix.
What happens to Photomator?
Photomator remains available separately. Apple’s Pixelmator Pro page directly addresses where to get Photomator and says it remains available as a separate purchase from the App Store.
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- Compatibility: The stylus pencil only works with iPads from 2018 onwards, including iPad Air 11 inch (2026-2024, M4/M3/M2), iPad Air 13 inch (2026-2024, M4/M3/M2), iPad Pro 11 inch (2025-2024, M5/M4), iPad Pro 13 inch (2025-2024, M5/M4), iPad A16/11th (2025), iPad 10th Gen (2022), iPad Pro 11 inch (2022-2018), iPad Pro 12.9 inch (2022-2018), iPad Air 5th/4th/3rd, iPad Mini A17 Pro/7th/6th/5th, and iPad 9th/8th/7th/6th. Please verify your model in [Settings > General > About] before purchasing.
- Tilt Sensitivity: The iPad Stylus features tilt sensitivity, allowing you to create varying line thicknesses and shadows by adjusting the angle of your pencil for apple ipad 10th generation.
- Palm Rejection: You can comfortably rest your hand on the screen without gloves while using the stylus pen for ipad.
- Magnetic Adsorption: The iPad pencil 10th generation magnetically attaches to iPads released from 2018～2026 just like 2nd generation for Apple Pencil. Note: Does not support magnetic charging.
- Type-C Fast Charging: Fully charges the ipad pencil in just 15 minutes for up to 9 hours of use. Note: Sleeps after 5 minutes of inactivity to save power.
That is an important distinction. Apple has not said in the cited announcement that Photomator is being killed, absorbed into Apple Photos, or replaced on a fixed timetable. The Mac App Store description continues to position Photomator as a photography-focused, nondestructive editor with features such as:
- RAW photo editing;
- batch adjustments and batch processing;
- AI-assisted selections;
- object removal;
- color adjustments; and
- integration with Photos and iCloud.
However, continued availability is not a guarantee of a particular update schedule, feature roadmap, or permanent support period. Based on Apple’s current public wording, the careful conclusion is that Photomator remains available, while its long-term roadmap is not specified.
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For users looking for a current professional editor, Apple is positioning Pixelmator Pro as the successor to the Classic product line. The transition expanded significantly in January 2026:
- On January 13, 2026, Apple announced Apple Creator Studio, a subscription bundle that includes Pixelmator Pro on Mac and iPad.
- Apple announced Pixelmator Pro for iPad as a new, touch-optimized version with Apple Pencil support.
- Pixelmator Pro 4.0 was released on January 28, 2026. Apple’s release notes describe the iPad redesign, Apple Pencil features, and iCloud round-tripping between iPad and Mac.
Pixelmator Pro is a more suitable destination than Pixelmator Classic for people who need ongoing development, professional layer work, illustration, compositing, or a workflow that moves between a Mac and iPad.
Pixelmator Pro pricing and licensing
In the United States, Apple Creator Studio costs $12.99 per month or $129 per year after its free trial. Apple lists an education price of $2.99 per month or $29.99 per year.
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- 【Compatible with 2018-2026 iPad & iPad Pro】The stylus supports for iPad series 2018-2026 model: iPad Pro 13" (M4), iPad Pro 12.9"(3rd/4th/5th/6th), iPad Pro 11"(All Generations), iPad Air M4/M3/M2/5th/4th/3rd Gen, iPad 11th/10th/9th/8th/7th/6th, iPad Mini 7th/6th/5th Gen. Please confirm your devices before you place an order, another model is invalid
- 【Not compatible with models before 2018】The stylus doesn't support iPad pro 1st&2nd, iPad pro 10.5", iPad pro 9.7", iPad 1 to 5 Gen, iPad mini 1 to 4 Gen, iPad Air 1st/2nd Gen versions of iPad. Not Compatible With iPhone, Android, Microsoft devices.iPad 10gen cannt use magnetic attraction.
- 【Precise and Smooth】1.5mm pen tip can replace your finger to execute finer instructions, it easy to install and tear off the tips on your stylus pen without any tool. No lag/offset/breaking point！Compared with the ordinary stylus pen, it has higher sensitivity, more accurate signal, more comfortable hand. Not easy to break!【 Note 】The stylus pen no pressure-sensitive design.
- 【Palm Rejection Design】Stylus pen with palm rejection technology, rest your hand naturally on the screen while writing or drawing, effortless interaction with your screen, gives you more accuracy and control against the screen. We commend you to use this pen on the iPad with a glass screen protector.
- 【Touch Switch & Fast Charging】Activate this stylus pen with a simple touch of the cap button. A quick 5-15 minute charge provides 15 hours of work time. Please note: Ensure Bluetooth is enabled on your iPad for normal use, no pairing required.
Apple also continues to sell Pixelmator Pro for Mac as a $49.99 one-time purchase. The subscription route includes additional access such as the Warp Tool, while the one-time purchase remains an option for Mac users who do not want a recurring subscription. The exact best value depends on whether you need Pixelmator Pro on iPad or the subscription-only features.
Which iPads can run Pixelmator Pro?
Pixelmator Pro for iPad is not compatible with every iPad. Apple lists these supported chip families:
- iPad models with an M1 chip or later;
- an iPad with an A16 chip; or
- iPad mini with an A17 Pro chip.
The iPad version requires iPadOS 26. Apple’s product information also lists macOS 26 or iPadOS 26 for the current Pixelmator Pro platform requirements. Check the exact model in Settings before buying an app or upgrading hardware; an older iPad that runs Pixelmator Classic may not meet Pixelmator Pro’s requirements.
Apple Pencil support makes a Apple Pencil for Pixelmator Pro a potentially useful optional accessory for painting, masking, selections, and detailed retouching, but it is not required for ordinary editing. Compatibility depends on the specific iPad model and Pencil generation.
Should existing Pixelmator users migrate?
If you use Pixelmator Classic for iOS
You do not need to panic or uninstall it. Continue using it if it still meets your needs and works on your current device. But treat it as an unmaintained legacy app rather than a long-term platform.
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- WHY APPLE PENCIL PRO — Apple Pencil Pro is loaded with intuitive features for ultimate creative control. Gestures and haptics allow you to seamlessly create without missing a beat. And Apple Pencil Pro features pixel-perfect precision, tilt and pressure sensitivity, and low latency. Attaches magnetically for wireless pairing and charging.
- COMPATIBILITY — Apple Pencil Pro works with iPad Pro 13-inch (M5 and M4), iPad Pro 11-inch (M5 and M4), iPad Air 11-inch (M2, M3, and M4), iPad Air 13-inch (M2, M3, and M4), and iPad mini (A17 Pro).
- ADVANCED TOOLS — Apple Pencil Pro gives you ultimate creative control. Use gestures like squeeze and barrel roll to access tools, change brushes, and create strokes without missing a beat. Haptics allow you to feel shapes snap into place, and more. Use Apple Pencil hover on iPad Pro (M5 and M4) and iPad Air (M3 and M2) to preview your mark before you make it. And now you can use Find My to locate your Apple Pencil Pro.
- EASY AND NATURAL — Apple Pencil Pro does it all with pixel-perfect precision, tilt and pressure sensitivity, and low latency. Featuring a flat edge, Apple Pencil Pro allows you to change tools with just the tap of a finger. Apple Pencil Pro attaches, charges, and pairs magnetically.
- TRANSFORMS IPAD INTO A CANVAS — Draw, sketch, color, take notes, and mark up documents. Use built-in apps like Notes and Freeform, or choose from over a million more apps available on the App Store. And for pros, use Apple Pencil hover on iPad Pro and iPad Air (M2) to preview your mark before you make it.
Before changing devices or operating systems:
- Export finished images in the formats and resolutions you actually need.
- Keep editable originals, including layered project files where the app supports them.
- Back up the source photos, artwork, fonts, and linked assets separately from the app.
- Test important projects on the device you plan to keep using.
- Do not assume a future iPad or iPhone migration will preserve every behavior simply because the App Store listing still exists.
Apple has not announced a date when Pixelmator Classic for iOS will stop working. The reason to prepare is the absence of future updates, not evidence of an imminent shutdown.
If you use Photomator
There is no need to migrate solely because of the Pixelmator Pro announcement. Photomator remains a sensible choice for a photography-centered workflow, especially if you rely on RAW editing, nondestructive adjustments, batch processing, or Photos and iCloud integration.
Consider Pixelmator Pro instead if you need more extensive layer-based design, illustration, compositing, or the new iPad workflow. The products overlap, but they are not identical replacements: Photomator is oriented toward managing and editing photographs, while Pixelmator Pro is the broader design and image-composition tool.
If you use Pixelmator Classic for Mac
Migration is more urgent because Apple describes the Mac Classic application as discontinued. Move active projects to a supported workflow while the old installation and its file handling still work. Pixelmator Pro is the Apple-supported direction for modern Mac editing, but check whether its tools, file compatibility, and licensing model suit your particular projects before committing.
Pixelmator Classic, Photomator, and Pixelmator Pro compared
| App | Current status | Best fit | Key caution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pixelmator Classic for iOS | Still listed and functional; no longer being updated | Existing iPhone and iPad users who want the familiar basic editor | Do not expect new features or compatibility fixes |
| Pixelmator Classic for Mac | Discontinued | Existing users reviewing old projects | Plan a migration rather than building a new workflow around it |
| Photomator | Remains available as a separate App Store purchase | Photography, RAW files, batch editing, and nondestructive adjustments | Apple has not specified a long-term update roadmap in the cited material |
| Pixelmator Pro | Apple’s actively promoted professional editor for Mac and iPad | Layers, design, illustration, compositing, and cross-device work | iPad support requires newer hardware and iPadOS 26 |
The practical answer
Apple’s announcement is a product-line transition, not the removal of the entire Pixelmator family. The original iPhone and iPad app is now legacy software: still functional and available, but no longer updated. The original Mac app is discontinued. Photomator remains a separately available photo editor, with no cited announcement that it is being discontinued. Pixelmator Pro is Apple’s current professional replacement, available on Mac and, with compatible hardware, iPad.
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- 【2X Faster Charge】: Metapen Pencil A8 fully charges in just 30 minutes via USB-C and lasts up to 10 hours. 1-min charge = 50-min use; 4 min fast charge = 2 hour use. The LED indicator displays different colors based on battery level, reminding you to recharge in time. It automatically shuts down after 5 minutes of inactivity for better energy efficiency. Note: A8 does not support magnetic charging or wireless charging via iPad.
- 【More Durable Tips】: Made of high-quality polymer, the Metapen's tips pass a 20 km durability test—2X more durable than original iPencil tips(NOTE：The package comes with two nibs, one already installed and one as a spare). Their internal structure remains intact even after 3,000 impacts. Each Metapen A8 pen comes with two extra replaceable tips , saving costs for frequent users
- 【Metal Barrel & Palm Rejection】: Metapen A8 Aluminum Metal Barrel iPad stylus pen supports Palm Rejection, so no need for a glove, with metal barrel, this stylus pen can provide you with a better writing experience. You can rest your palm or fingers on the screen during sketching, drawing, or writing. All-metal aluminum barrel: 4x harder, 10x more wear-resistant than plastic.Metal weight, metal strength. Not plastic. 200 MPa flexural strength, survives 1.2m drops 50+ times. A stronger and more durable iPad A16 penicl for Child/Kids than plastic iPad pencil.
- 【Quick Connect and Double Magnets】: No need to connect via Bluetooth or apps. Simply double-tap the invisible touch switch on the rounded end of A8 to power ON/OFF. With two built-in magnets, the Metapen iPad Pen securely attaches to your iPad anytime, no more rolling away or getting lost. (NOTE: Wireless Charging is NOT Supported. NO magnetic attachment for iPad Air 3rd/M2/M3 Gen, iPad 6th/7th/8th/9th/10th/11th Gen, iPad mini 5th/7th, iPad Pro M4)
- 【Make Sure Your iPad Model is Compatible】: Metapen Pencil A8 is ONLY compatible with the iPad models 2018-2026: iPad 11/10/9/8/7/6 Gen, iPad Pro 13-inch M4, iPad Pro 11-inch 1/2/3/4/M4, iPad Air 3/4/5/M2/M3, iPad Pro 12.9-inch 3/4/5/6 Gen, iPad Mini 5/6 Gen. NOTE: The Pencil A8 is NOT compatible with iPads before 2018, iPhone, Android or Microsoft devices. Please check your iPad model before ordering
For painting and illustration, the clearest upgrade path is Pixelmator Pro, particularly if you want layers, Apple Pencil input, and a current iPad/Mac workflow. For photo management and RAW editing, Photomator remains the more direct fit. In either case, back up important Classic projects before changing devices, because an app that still works today but receives no compatibility updates should not be the only copy of your creative work.
Apple Pencil is optional. Confirm compatibility with your exact iPad model before purchasing one for Pixelmator Pro.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has Apple removed the original Pixelmator app?
No. The original iPhone and iPad app remains listed and functional, but Apple now treats it as Pixelmator Classic for iOS and says it is no longer being updated.
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Is Photomator being discontinued?
Photomator remains available as a separate purchase from the App Store. Apple has not said in the cited announcement that it is being discontinued or replaced, but it also has not guaranteed a particular future update schedule.
Which iPads support Pixelmator Pro?
Pixelmator Pro for iPad requires an iPad with an M1 chip or later, an A16 chip, or an iPad mini with an A17 Pro chip, running iPadOS 26.
Do I need an Apple Creator Studio subscription to use Pixelmator Pro?
Apple continues to offer Pixelmator Pro for Mac as a $49.99 one-time purchase in the United States. Apple Creator Studio is the subscription route and includes Pixelmator Pro on Mac and iPad.
The Bottom Line
Bottom line: Pixelmator Classic for iOS still works but is no longer updated; Pixelmator Classic for Mac is discontinued; Photomator remains available separately; and Pixelmator Pro is Apple’s actively promoted successor for professional Mac and iPad editing.
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