There’s a significant chance, that we’ll be able to edit on Final Cut Pro for iPad, with the forthcoming Apple AR/VR headset. And here’s our two cents: The launch of FCP for iPad, was just the beginning, and was precisely timed, just before the launch of Apple’s mixed reality headset. Will Apple be the pioneer of Editing by AR (augmented reality)?

FCP for iPad was just the beginning

A week ago, Apple dropped a bombshell, by introducing an iPad version of its main Pro App — FCP (Final Cut Pro). The FCP was adapted to be utilized on a touch interface combined with Apple Pencil. According to Bloomberg, FCP for iPad has been developed for a couple of years. Indeed, the mobile NLE adopts pretty cool features which you can read about it here. However, feature-wise, and according to professional needs, FCP for iPad is not going to replace the full functionality of its desktop version. Nevertheless, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman states that: “I’m told that the headset will have a content-creation focus and that its user interface, which relies on hand and eye control, could be precise enough to handle apps like Final Cut. On top of that, the device is supposed to work with any iPadOS app out of the box. That makes it seem likely that the new apps will run on the headset”. When saying Headset, we refer to the forthcoming Apple AR/VR mixed reality headset. Hence, editors will be able to utilize the AR headset to edit on the FCP for iPad app.

Apple’s AR/VR Headset and Pro Apps

First, let’s summarize some facts, based on Bloomberg statements:

1. The roughly $3,000 headset is set to debut at an event in June, with the product going on sale months later.
2. A big part of the effort is adapting iPad apps for the new headset.
3. Apple aims to position the headset as a device for getting work done, including professional apps (Pro Apps).
4. The platform will support its Pages, Numbers, Keynote iMovie, GarageBand, and maybe – FCP and Logic Pro.
5. Many iPad apps from the App Store will be able to run on the headset, either automatically or with slight modifications.
6. The device’s operating system, xrOS, is based on the iOS platform, laying the groundwork for that compatibility.
7. Wearers will be able to operate the headset using eye and hand gestures. It can determine where people are looking and then users can pinch their fingers to select items and move through menus. The device will feature an in-air virtual keyboard but can also connect to an actual keyboard for improved productivity.

Utilizing the headset to edit on FCP

Taking into account Bloomberg’s sources, plus the Apple AR/VR headset’s compatibility and ability, there’s a chance that the FCP for iPad was just the opening blow for something more disruptive, like editing on the app with the use of the new headset. Just imagine cutting, trimming, and building layers on the timeline by using only the AR headset. And this can happen pretty soon. If so, Apple is going to disrupt how editing is done. The gap of translating the touch interface of the iPad, into the functionality of the headset is not so wide. It will be interesting to see professional editors getting their work done that way. Can it speed up your workflow? Maybe. But first, you’ll have to spend $3,000 more on the headset. Will you spend it?