Pixelmator Pro
Mac-native image editor with machine-learning enhancement, now owned by Apple.
why this verdict
Keep it — Google has not replaced it
Google's version overlaps, but does not finish the design job, so this one is still worth keeping open.
- A named launch, not a vibe named, unlinked
- AI photo editing in Photos and free web editors covering what most people need. Google, August 26, 2025 — no announcement link recorded yet.
- How much of the job it covers not the job editorial call
- Parts of it. The job still needs the tool to get finished.
- Is there a free way to do it? yes
- 1 of 3 listed replacements have a usable free tier: Affinity Photo.
- What the call is worth nothing to cancel
- No paid entry tier tracked, so there is no subscription to cancel.
- Threatened by
- Since
- August 26, 2025
- List price
- free
- Per year
- —
The backstory
Pixelmator Pro was the best-looking native Mac image editor for years, with machine-learning upscaling and colour tools that felt like part of macOS rather than a port. Apple acquired the team in 2025, which is the strongest possible answer to the question of whether a paid image editor survives free platform features: it became the platform feature. The app remains, and its technology is heading into Apple's own photo tooling.
Escape hatches
Free professional editor with no subscription
affinity.serif.com open_in_newCross-platform standard with generative fill
adobe.com open_in_newPhoto editing and library management from the same team
pixelmator.com open_in_new1 of 3 replacements have a usable free tier.