Apple Discontinues Clips Video Editing App Support

Apple has officially ended support for its Clips video editing application, marking the conclusion of an eight-year run for the social media-focused creative tool. The company has removed the app from the App Store and confirmed it will no longer receive updates, though existing installations will continue to function for the time being. This decision reflects Apple’s evolving strategy in the competitive video editing software landscape.

Clips App Development Timeline and Features

First launched in 2017, Clips represented Apple’s attempt to create an accessible video creation tool specifically designed for social media sharing. The app allowed users to easily combine video clips with music, text overlays, and filters through an intuitive interface. Over its lifespan, Apple expanded Clips’ capabilities with augmented reality features and more sophisticated editing tools, positioning it as a bridge between basic phone editing and professional software.

The app’s augmented reality integration was particularly noteworthy, allowing users to add animated AR objects and effects to their videos. This aligned with Apple’s broader investment in augmented reality technologies across its ecosystem. However, update frequency had significantly decreased in recent years, signaling the company’s shifting priorities.

Official Discontinuation Announcement and Timeline

Apple updated its official support documentation to clearly state that “the Clips app is no longer being updated, and will no longer be available for download for new users as of October 10, 2025.” This formal announcement provides users with a clear timeline for the app’s phase-out. The company’s support page offers detailed guidance for current users navigating this transition period.

Existing Clips installations will remain functional on compatible iOS and iPadOS devices, but users should be aware that future operating system updates may eventually break compatibility. This approach is consistent with Apple’s typical application lifecycle management, as detailed in our additional coverage of Apple’s software support policies.

Preserving Your Clips Videos and Content

Apple strongly recommends that users save their video projects directly to their device’s Photos library to prevent potential data loss. The company’s support documentation provides specific instructions for exporting content:

Save videos with all effects and edits applied
Export original footage without modifications
Create multiple versions for different purposes
Back up important projects to iCloud or external storage

This preservation strategy is crucial because future iOS updates may render the Clips app inoperable. By exporting videos to the Photos app, users ensure long-term access to their creative work. For those seeking alternative solutions, our related analysis of mobile video editing alternatives provides comprehensive options.

Impact on Apple’s Creative Software Ecosystem

The discontinuation of Clips represents a strategic refinement of Apple Inc.‘s creative software offerings. While the company maintains robust professional applications like Final Cut Pro, the consumer-focused Clips never achieved the market penetration of competing social media editing tools. This decision allows Apple to concentrate resources on its core video editing platforms and emerging technologies.

Industry observers note that Apple’s creative application strategy continues to evolve, with increased focus on cross-platform functionality and professional workflows. The company appears to be prioritizing applications that integrate deeply across its hardware ecosystem rather than standalone social media tools. For more insights into Apple’s software direction, see our comprehensive creative application roadmap analysis.

What Current Users Should Do Now

If you currently use Clips for video creation, consider these immediate actions:

Export all important projects to your Photos library
Document any unique workflows or techniques
Explore alternative video editing applications
Monitor iOS updates for potential compatibility issues

Proactive video preservation is essential during this transition period. While the app continues to function, users should treat any unsaved projects as potentially at risk. The mobile video editing landscape offers numerous alternatives, from basic built-in tools to sophisticated third-party applications that can replicate Clips’ functionality.