Earlier this fall, Apple acquired Pixelmator, marking a rare moment when the tech giant opted to buy an existing application. While there are many speculations regarding their future plans, a look into Apple’s history with app acquisitions suggests promising prospects for Pixelmator.
Apple’s Proven Success with Acquired Apps
This past weekend, John Gruber shared insights on Daring Fireball regarding Apple’s previous app acquisitions.
The entire article is worth your time, as it details the varying outcomes of different acquisitions throughout the years.
Here’s a brief overview presented in two key excerpts:
Ultimately, what users desire after their beloved app is acquired by a larger company is a favorable outcome that keeps them satisfied. This might involve maintaining the app as it is, like Logic, or potentially integrating its key features into the operating system, much like Dark Sky has done. Sometimes, it’s a combination of both, as seen with Shazam.
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Though Apple is a massive corporation and Pixelmator is a small entity with two impressive apps, examining Apple’s history with acquisitions leaves me feeling optimistic. They generally handle app acquisitions thoughtfully.
Upon reading, I was reminded of the trust Apple has earned over its history of app acquisitions.
However, whenever a cherished app is taken over by a different entity, the results rarely play out positively.
- New ownership might overly focus on profitability, hindering the app’s quality.
- Alternatively, they could completely neglect the app, satisfied with exploiting existing revenue streams.
- Frequently, the original creative team departs, leaving a gap that the new management struggles to fill.
These outcomes have occurred time and again, reducing numerous fantastic apps to mere shadows of their former selves.
In contrast, Apple’s track record is distinctly different. As Gruber notes, “Apple values the craft of developing great apps,” and “Pixelmator, in particular, is far too valuable to abandon.”
I’m uncertain whether Apple intends to keep Pixelmator and Photomator functioning as they currently are for many years, integrate their technology into the Photos app, or pursue a different path entirely.
Regardless of their intentions, it’s important to recognize that this acquisition isn’t akin to the typical app takeovers seen in the tech industry. Apple has a commendable history in this regard, suggesting a bright future for Pixelmator.
What do you think Apple’s future plans for Pixelmator could be? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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