With new Logic Pro X, Apple signals commitment to pro users

Apple on Tuesday unveiled Logic Pro X, the latest version of its high-end audio software aimed at professionals.

In addition to including a major revamp of the Logic Pro interface, it has an iPad app that acts as a companion.

“Logic Pro X is our most powerful version yet, with advanced tools and a modern new interface designed to streamline the process of creating professional quality music,” Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of worldwide marketing, said in a statement. “Musicians are going to love creative new features like Drummer, Flex Pitch, Track Stacks and the Arpeggiator.”

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The new version of Logic Pro X should come as good news to professional creatives who have relied on Apple software for years for audio and video editing. Given that these are smaller and pricier markets, they worry that Apple will discontinue developing products for this audience.

Logic Pro X costs $199, compared with $14.99 for Apple’s consumer audio software, Garage Band ’11.

Earlier this summer at its developers conference, Apple signaled its support for pro users by giving an unusual sneak peak at a new Mac Pro in the works. Pro users have been clamoring for an upgrade of these machines for a couple of years.

In addition to software, creative professionals have worried that Apple would abandon its higher-end Macs as its business becomes increasingly about tablets and smartphones.

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