What's happened
Apple has discontinued new downloads of its Clips app as of October 10, 2025. Existing users can still use it, but without updates, it may become less functional. Apple recommends saving videos for use in other apps. The move follows limited recent updates and the rise of AI video apps like Sora.
What's behind the headline?
Apple's decision to end support for Clips reflects a shift away from simple, footage-based video editing towards AI-powered content creation. The rise of generative AI apps like Sora, which achieved rapid adoption with over a million downloads in less than a week, signals a changing landscape. Apple appears to be focusing on integrating AI into Siri and other platform features, aiming to replace traditional app icons with voice and AI-driven interactions. This move underscores a broader industry trend: consumers prefer asking AI assistants over navigating apps, and Apple’s internal testing of AI features with major apps suggests a future where voice commands and AI integration dominate user experience. The discontinuation of Clips indicates that Apple sees limited future in traditional video editing apps, instead betting on AI to transform how users interact with their devices. The timing aligns with the explosive growth of AI apps, which are outpacing older, footage-based tools in popularity and innovation. This strategic pivot could redefine Apple's ecosystem, making AI central to its user interface and app ecosystem, potentially marginalizing traditional app-based workflows.
What the papers say
The decision to end support for Clips was reported by TechCrunch, highlighting that the app is no longer available for new downloads but can still be used on existing devices. The article notes that updates have been limited in recent years, and the app's popularity has waned compared to newer AI video tools like Sora, which achieved over a million downloads in less than five days, according to TechCrunch. Meanwhile, Business Insider UK emphasizes the rapid adoption of ChatGPT, with over 410 million downloads in nine months, illustrating the broader AI boom. The contrast between Clips' decline and the rise of AI apps like Sora and ChatGPT underscores industry-wide shifts. TechCrunch also discusses Apple's broader AI ambitions, including integrating AI into Siri and app interactions, aiming to replace traditional app icons with voice and AI commands. The articles collectively suggest that Apple is pivoting from simple video editing tools to a future dominated by AI-driven interfaces, with Clips serving as a transitional relic in this evolving landscape.
How we got here
Launched in 2017, Apple's Clips was a video editing app aimed at casual users, offering filters, emojis, and music. It was seen as a competitor to social media stories but was gradually deprioritized, with updates limited to bug fixes. The app's support was officially ended in October 2025, amid the rise of AI-driven video tools.
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