# Apple Purchases Pixelmator: What Lies Ahead for One of the Few One-Time Payment Photoshop Alternatives?
In a pivotal decision that might transform the creative software arena, Apple has revealed its acquisition of **Pixelmator**, the Lithuania-based firm celebrated for its widely used photo editing applications. This acquisition, awaiting regulatory approval, has sparked discussions about the future of Pixelmator’s applications, which have consistently been a favorite among creatives due to their one-time payment structure—an increasingly uncommon substitute for Adobe’s subscription-centric Photoshop.
## The Acquisition: Current Insights
Founded 17 years ago, Pixelmator has confirmed the acquisition via a blog entry, announcing that its team will integrate into Apple. The company has reassured its users that there will be “no material changes to the Pixelmator Pro, Pixelmator for iOS, and Photomator apps at this moment,” while hinting at “exciting updates ahead.” However, specifics regarding the acquisition, including the financial details, remain undisclosed.
The Pixelmator team shared their enthusiasm about the acquisition, emphasizing that they have always found inspiration in Apple. “We’ve been inspired by Apple since day one, crafting our products with the same razor-sharp focus on design, ease of use, and performance,” the company remarked. They also underscored the opportunity to reach a wider audience and create a greater influence on the creative community.
## Pixelmator: A Distinctive Alternative to Adobe’s Subscription Approach
Pixelmator has successfully established itself as a robust yet cost-effective option to Adobe’s Photoshop. In contrast to Adobe’s Creative Cloud suite, which utilizes a subscription model, Pixelmator’s products can be purchased with a one-time fee. This has made it a favored choice among hobbyists, freelancers, and small enterprises that prefer to avoid ongoing subscriptions.
Pixelmator Pro, the flagship offering, has received consistent updates featuring new functionalities, including AI and machine learning for photo modifications, vector editing features, and RAW photo format support. Users have lauded the app for its user-friendly interface, powerful capabilities, and seamless compatibility with macOS and iOS.
Nevertheless, with Apple’s acquisition, some users are apprehensive that Pixelmator might ultimately be integrated into Apple’s ecosystem, risking its identity as an independent product. Apple has a track record of acquiring applications and either blending them into its software portfolio or discontinuing them entirely.
## An Overview of Apple’s Acquisition History
Apple’s history with software acquisitions presents a mix of outcomes. For example, following the acquisition of the popular weather app **Dark Sky** in 2020, Apple eventually discontinued the app for Android and iOS users, merging its functionalities into the native Apple Weather app. Similarly, the purchase of **Workflow**, an iOS automation tool, resulted in the launch of Apple’s **Shortcuts** app, which has evolved into a powerful tool for automating processes on iPhones and iPads.
Conversely, some acquisitions have led to standalone products that continue to flourish. **Final Cut Pro** and **Logic Pro**, both taken over by Apple, remain available as independent applications, serving professional video editors and musicians, respectively.
Considering this background, it remains uncertain whether Pixelmator will persist as a standalone product or be assimilated into Apple’s existing array of creative tools, such as **Photos** or **iMovie**.
## Regulatory Challenges: Will the Acquisition Proceed?
While the acquisition appears to be a logical fit for Apple, it may undergo regulatory examination, especially in Europe. In recent times, technology giants have faced growing opposition from regulators concerning monopolistic tendencies and market consolidation.
For instance, Adobe recently had to abandon its $20 billion acquisition of design software company **Figma** after UK and European Union regulators expressed disapproval of the transaction. Similarly, **Amazon**’s attempted acquisition of **iRobot**, the creator of Roomba, encountered resistance from European regulators. Even **Microsoft**’s $69 billion purchase of **Activision Blizzard** faced considerable obstacles before receiving final approval.
Given the increasing examination of technology mergers, it is conceivable that Apple’s acquisition of Pixelmator may face similar hurdles, particularly if regulators perceive potential competition suppression in the creative software domain.
## Implications for Pixelmator Users
Currently, Pixelmator users can keep using the applications without any immediate alterations. However, the long-term trajectory of the software remains ambiguous. Will Apple uphold Pixelmator as a standalone offering with its current pricing structure, or will it eventually be incorporated into Apple’s ecosystem, potentially transitioning to a subscription model?
Pixelmator’s dedicated user community likely hopes for the former, as the app’s one-time payment model has been a significant selling point. Nevertheless, considering Apple’s pattern of assimilating acquired software into its ecosystem, users should “stay tuned” for possible changes in the upcoming years.
## Conclusion: A New Era for Pixelmator
The acquisition of Pixelmator by
