What Apple changed
Apple's support document Save your Clips videos, published October 11, 2025, says Clips is no longer being updated and is no longer available for download for new users as of October 10, 2025. People who downloaded it before can still redownload it from their Apple account in the App Store, and can keep using it on iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 or earlier. [1]
TidBITS covered the change on October 13, 2025, noting that Clips launched in 2017 and that Apple's document suggests other apps for new videos. [2]
The OS limit matters: Apple only promises Clips use on version 26 or earlier, so save your videos before updating past that.
| Question | Answer from Apple's document |
|---|---|
| Can new users download Clips? | No, not since October 10, 2025 |
| Will Clips get updates? | No, it is no longer being updated |
| Can I redownload it? | Yes, if you downloaded it before, from your Apple account in the App Store |
| Which OS versions? | iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 or earlier |
| What does Apple suggest instead? | iMovie, or third-party apps such as InShot, VN Video Editor and GoPro Quik |
Save finished videos with their effects
Apple's steps save the finished video, not an editable project. [1]
- Open the video in Clips and tap the Share button at the bottom right.
- Tap Options, then Video, and choose other options such as aspect ratio; tap Done.
- To keep it in your photo library, tap Save Video.
- To keep it in iCloud Drive or on the device, tap Save to Files, name the file and choose a location; tap Browse for more locations.
- Repeat for each video you want to keep.
Save individual clips without effects
If you want to re-edit footage in another app, save the raw clips; Apple says this applies to clips recorded directly into a project. Apple's steps: open a project, tap a clip to select it, swipe left on the tools and tap Save Clip. The clip goes to an album called Clips in your photo library. If Save Clip is dimmed, the original clip is already in your photo library and you can find it there. [1]
Apple's steps cover saving finished videos and individual clips, not exporting editable Clips projects, so the raw clips plus the finished export are what you carry forward to a new editor. [1]
Replacement editors compared
iMovie and CapCut details are from their App Store listings; Premiere details are from Adobe's product page. iMovie's current listing requires iOS 27.0 or later, so check your device before choosing it. [3][4][5]
| iMovie | CapCut | Premiere on mobile | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free with in-app subscriptions (for example Pro Monthly $19.99) | Free; generative credits extra |
| Maker | Apple | ByteDance | Adobe |
| Captions | Not mentioned on the App Store listing | Automatic speech recognition and subtitles | Free unlimited automatic captions |
| Templates | 20 Storyboards and 14 trailer templates | Text templates | Free templates including YouTube Shorts |
| Export | Up to 4K at 60 fps to Photos | Check plan rules | Unlimited 4K exports, no watermark |
| Requirement on listing | iOS 27.0 or later | iOS 15.0 or later | iOS and Android |
Which replacement fits
- You used Clips for quick family or school videos and want Apple's own app: iMovie, free, with Storyboards and trailer templates, if your device runs the required iOS version. [3]
- You want automatic captions on social clips: CapCut or Premiere on mobile, both of which list automatic captions; Premiere's are free and unlimited. [4][5]
- You want no watermark and no subscription for 4K exports: Premiere on mobile, per Adobe's page. [5]
- You expect to pay for templates and AI features: CapCut, checking the in-app price for your region; CapCut says its prices vary and its web pricing is for reference. [4][6]
Checklist before you update or switch
- Save every finished Clips video to Photos or Files. [1]
- Save the raw clips you may re-edit with Save Clip. [1]
- Back up the saved files to iCloud Drive or another cloud folder.
- Do this before updating past iOS 26 or iPadOS 26. [1]
- Install one replacement and recreate a short test video before deleting Clips.
Questions before you decide
Is Apple Clips discontinued?
Yes. Apple's support document says Clips is no longer being updated and has not been available for download for new users since October 10, 2025.
Can I still use Apple Clips?
If you downloaded it before, you can redownload it from your Apple account in the App Store and use it on iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 or earlier.
How do I save my Clips videos?
Open the video, tap Share, then Options and Video, tap Done, and choose Save Video for Photos or Save to Files for iCloud Drive or the device.
What is the best replacement for Apple Clips?
Apple suggests iMovie or apps such as InShot, VN Video Editor and GoPro Quik. CapCut and Adobe's free Premiere on mobile both list automatic captions.
Sources & verification
Product details and prices can change. Check the linked provider before buying.
- Apple Support: Save your Clips videos Accessed 30 Oct 2026
- TidBITS: Apple Discontinues Clips Video App (October 13, 2025) Accessed 30 Oct 2026
- App Store: iMovie for iPhone and iPad Accessed 30 Oct 2026
- App Store: CapCut: Photo & Video Editor Accessed 30 Oct 2026
- Adobe: Premiere on mobile Accessed 30 Oct 2026
- CapCut: pricing Accessed 30 Oct 2026
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