Apple appears to be quietly phasing out support for Clips, the company’s lightweight video creation app. The app has been removed from the App Store, and Apple says it will no longer release any future updates.
According to a support page on Apple’s website, Clips became unavailable for new downloads on October 10. However, existing users can continue using the app on current or older versions of iOS and iPadOS, and they’ll still be able to re‑download it from their Apple account if needed.
Apple is advising users to save their Clips projects before future software changes render the app less functional. The company suggests exporting videos — with or without filters and effects — to the Photos app, allowing users to continue viewing or editing them with other tools.
Launched in 2017, Clips was Apple’s playful answer to Snapchat and Instagram Stories. It wasn’t a social network but offered easy ways to stitch together photos and videos, add text overlays, emojis, filters, and background music. The goal was simple: make quick, shareable videos using Apple’s camera and software strengths.
In an early review, TechCrunch’s Brian Heater described Clips as “simple to a fault,” noting that while it lacked depth, it showcased Apple’s integrated approach to creativity across hardware and software. Over time, Apple added new features such as animated captions and AR effects, but recent updates had dwindled to minor bug fixes.
Reactions from Apple fans have been largely indifferent. On Reddit, several users admitted they hadn’t opened the app in years—or had never heard of it at all. In a time when generative AI tools like OpenAI’s Sora are redefining video creation, Apple’s decision to sunset Clips feels like the quiet end of an earlier chapter in mobile creativity.
