Apple updates iMovie and GarageBand iOS apps with new features

Apple has updated both iMovie and GarageBand for iOS with a slate of new features ahead of the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro’s launch.

Apple has updated both iOS apps with new features, which come just one day before Apple’s new iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro start landing in the hands of early adopters. iMovie has far more features being added with today’s update than GarageBand, but folks that use both apps will probably be happy enough with the bumps in version numbers.

Here’s what’s new in each:

What’s new in iMovie

Apple has updated its iMovie iOS app to version 2.3 today. With it, there’s support for editing and sharing high dynamic range (HDR) videos right from the Photos app (on supported models), as well as being able to customize titles even more, more customization options in general, and much more. It’s a free update.

Here’s the official changelog for iMovie version 2.3:

  • Customize any title by selecting from dozens of built-in fonts
  • Adjust the color of any title by selecting from a grid or spectrum of presets, adjusting numerical sliders, or using the eyedropper in the viewer
  • Quickly change a title’s default style, capitalization and duration
  • Pinch and drag to adjust the size and location of any title
  • Choose from three new animated titles: Slide, Split and dual-color Chromatic
  • Add solid, gradient, and patterned backgrounds to your movie
  • Use the color picker to customize the colors of any background
  • Drag the slider to change the intensity of any filter applied to your photos and videos
  • Import and share 4K videos at 60 frames per second*
  • View, edit, and share High Dynamic Range (HDR) videos from your Photos library**
  • Tap the new options button at the top of the Share sheet to share a project or video file and choose properties including resolution, frame rate, and HDR**

* 4K at 60 frames per second requires iPod touch (7th generation), iPhone SE (2nd generation), iPhone 7 or later, iPad (6th generation) or later, iPad mini (5th generation), iPad Air 3 or later, 10.5-inch iPad Pro or later

** Editing and sharing HDR video requires iPhone SE (2nd generation), iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone X or later, iPad mini (5th generation), iPad (7th generation) or later, iPad Air 3 or later, 10.5-inch iPad Pro or later

GarageBand new features

Apple also updated GarageBand for iOS, bringing the version number up to 2.3.9. It’s available now, and, just like iMovie, it’s a free update. With the new software, GarageBand now offers additional tweaks for audio recordings, a new “Keyboard Collection” sound pack, and much more.

Here’s the official changelog:

• New audio recordings can be quickly started from the Home screen by touching and holding the GarageBand app icon

• Maximum song length at default tempo has been increased from 23 to 72 minutes

• The ruler now offers an option to switch from musical bars and beats to minutes and seconds

iMovie and GarageBand are available now from the App Store.