GarageBand

iMovie, GarageBand and iWork apps go free for all users

As first spotted by Juli Clover of MacRumors, Apple has made the GarageBand and iMovie apps as well as the iWork suite available free for all users. In the last few years, since 2013, only people who bought a new iPhone, iPad, iPod touch or Mac device were allowed to download these apps at no additional charge. Starting today, new hardware purchase is no longer required to get these apps.

Apple updates GarageBand and Logic Pro X with pro-level features, including Touch Bar support

Apple today updated its GarageBand and Logic Pro X apps with new features designed to support music makers “from enthusiasts to pros.” GarageBand for iOS 2.2 now provides the creative synthesizer Alchemy and has a new browser for easier searching through instruments and patches.

Logic Pro X 10.3 has been refreshed with a modern interface and now includes features for pro audio production and support for Touch Bar shortcuts on the new MacBook Pro.

How to convert CAF files to MP3 or AAC

From time to time, you might come across an audio file format known as .caf (Core Audio Format), which was originally created by Apple to put an end to file size barriers set by other audio file types.

Unfortunately, not every audio player or device works with .caf files, so it might do you good to know how to convert them to another audio file type using the software that comes with your Mac. In this tutorial, we'll show you how to convert .caf files to more commonly-used audio files such as AAC or MP3 with Garageband.

Apple updates GarageBand with new sounds to celebrate Chinese music

Apple on Monday issued updates for GarageBand on both iOS and Mac, bringing the apps to version 2.1.1 and 10.1.2 respectively. The release notes for the updates mention various bug fixes and other improvements, but Apple points to some bigger changes in a press release.

Many new Chinese sounds were also added in today's GarageBand updates, to "celebrate the rich history of Chinese music." This includes traditional Chinese instruments like the pipa and erhu, percussion instruments like wood blocks and cymbals, and 300 Live Loops.

GarageBand for Mac updated with Music Memos support, new Apple Loops and more

Apple on Thursday pushed out an update for GarageBand for Mac, bringing the software to version 10.1.1. The release brings about several improvements, including improved compatibility with GarageBand for iOS and Live Loops projects.

The update also brings about support for Logic Remote on the iPhone and iPad Pro, 2,600 new Apple Loops and sounds, and support for Music Memos—the app Apple released earlier this year to help musicians and songwriters capture ideas.

GarageBand: a beginner’s guide to Live Loops [video]

In addition to the iPad Pro support brought forth in the GarageBand 2.1 update, the app comes with a new killer feature called Live Loops. Live Loops makes music creation accessible to anyone. Creating songs using Live Loops features a low barrier to entry, but a high ceiling and virtually endless possibilities.

In this video walkthrough, I'm going to share with you 20 basic GarageBand Live Loops tips for getting started with this awesome new feature. I'll even make a song, and rap to it on the fly! If GarageBand has always seemed intimidating to you, then I guarantee that after watching this video, you'll be ready to roll your sleeves up and start creating your own musical masterpieces.

GarageBand 2.1 updated for iPad Pro, adds 3D Touch support for iPhone 6s

Rejoice, iPad Pro users; GarageBand has finally been updated to accommodate the additional real estate provided by the iPad Pro's massive 12.9" screen. Not only that, but the release also adds support for 3D Touch on the iPhone 6s.

All in all, the "2.1" isn't really indicative as to how big of a release this is. Have a look at the full change log for a glance into how much effort was put into this latest update.

GarageBand for Mac gains Force Touch and Apple Music Connect support, new content and more

Tuesday, Apple issued a substantial update to GarageBand for Mac, its own application that allows users to create music or podcasts. In GarageBand 10.1, users can take advantage of built-in Apple Music Connect support to share directly from GarageBand to Apple Music's Connect feature, basically a repository for artists to share content with music lovers like lyrics, behind-the-scenes videos, photos, concert recordings, studio sessions and more.

In addition, the application now takes advantage of a third dimension provided by pressure-sensing trackpads on the new twelve-inch MacBook and fifteen-inch MacBook Pro while providing several other enhancements.

Apple updates GarageBand for iOS with new RED Loop Pack

Apple pushed out an update for the iOS version of GarageBand on Sunday, bringing the popular music-making app to version 2.0.5. The update adds the option to purchase the RED Loop Pack, a limited-time in-app purchase that features an exclusive collection of 300 guitar, bass, synth and drum loops in a variety of genres.

The pack will only be available until December 7, via a $0.99 in-app purchase, but of course once paid for it will be permanently accessible from the GarageBand loop browser. Apple says 100% of the proceeds will go to the RED foundation, a charity that raises money for a global fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.