iMovie Receives a Massive Update, 4K Support, New Filters, and More

On Thursday, Apple announced its revamped line of iMac desktop computers, which retain the same 21.5 and 27 inch panels, but now boast ultra high-definition 4K and 5K displays, respectively.

Perhaps unsurprisingly — especially when taking into account the recent iPhone 6s upgrade which allows 4K video recording, among other things — Apple on Thursday also announced an upgrade to the desktop version of its renowned iMovie video creation and editing software.

iMovie 10.1 supports the ability to create and share projects in 4K high-definition, however this will require an iMac from 2011 or later with 4GB of RAM, and 4K playback will require either a 27 inch iMac with 5K retina display, the new 21.5 inch iMac with 4K display, or the new Mac Pro connected to a 4K monitor.

The new update also enables users to create movies using the enhanced 1080p HD standard at 60 frames-per-second, and the ability to import projects from iOS devices. This will be of great value to early adopters of the iPhone 6s or 6s Plus, which both feature 12MP camera sensors that are capable of capturing video in 4K quality.

In addition, the iMovie update features a redesigned media view gallery, which essentially gives users a better view of and easier access to their existing projects and photos while editing. Apple has also incorporated tabs within the new media browser, giving users faster, more streamlined access to titles, backgrounds, transitions, and music. The new media browser can be hidden and retrieved at the users discretion.

iMovie 10.1 is a FREE update for existing Mac owners, includes 10 additional video filters that have been brought over from the iOS application, and can be accessed via the Apple AppStore from your desktop.