Apple says goodbye to the Clips app

Apple has officially announced the discontinuation of its Clips app, removing it from the App Store and ceasing any further updates. As of October 10, new users will no longer have access to download the app, although those who already have it can continue using it on their current or previous iOS and iPadOS versions. For existing users, the option to re-download the app remains available through their Apple accounts. Without ongoing updates, the functionality of Clips is expected to decline over time. Apple is advising users to back up their Clips videos—whether enhanced with effects or not—by transferring them to their photo library. This will allow for the videos to be accessed and edited using alternative applications. First introduced in 2017, Clips was Apple’s response to the growing popularity of platforms like Snapchat and Instagram Stories. While it did not serve as a social network, it provided users with the ability to create videos by combining photos and clips with various filters, emojis, and music. Initially, TechCrunch’s Brian Heater noted that the app's editing features were straightforward, suggesting it could showcase Apple's hardware and software strengths while helping users navigate the emerging social media landscape. Despite some initial enhancements, reports indicate that recent updates have primarily focused on resolving bugs rather than introducing new features. Reactions from the Apple community on platforms like Reddit show a lack of surprise regarding the app's discontinuation, with many users mentioning they either tried it only a few times or were not familiar with it at all. In a landscape increasingly dominated by generative AI tools like OpenAI’s Sora, which recently surpassed one million downloads, Clips may seem outdated, particularly as it was designed around genuine footage captured by users.