Create videos even easier: iMovie 3.0 for iPhone and iPad

Anyone who shoots videos on the Apple iPhone or Apple iPad and wants to crop them directly on the devices can now look forward to an update for the iMovie app. Version 3.0 of the free video editing software from Apple comes with ready-made, but individually customizable presets for compiling videos, clips and photos. The two new big features are called "Storyboards" and "Magic Movie". Storyboard provides the said templates, which according to the update note in the iMovie app on the iPhone should help with the creation of video and film trailers. Magic Movie automatically creates an adjustable movie from imported media.

The new iMovie 3.0 is available for iPhone (at least iOS 15.2) and iPad (at least iPadOS 15.2). Here you get all information about the modes called Magic Movie, Storyboard and Timeline.
The new iMovie 3.0 is available for iPhone (at least iOS 15.2) and iPad (at least iPadOS 15.2). Here you get all information about the modes called Magic Movie, Storyboard and Timeline.

Features after the update: Magic Movie, Storyboards and Timeline

When you open iMovie on your iPhone or iPad for the first time after updating to version 3.0, you'll see a "New in iMovie" summary. It explains the three modes through which you can start, design and export your projects. For Magic Movie, you select several photos or videos and let the smart software take over the composition (see below). There are fewer customization options, but it's quick. Storyboards offers different styles that can be customized in detail (title, effects, music, etc.). The timeline mode offers classic video editing without presettings.

Detail of the "New in iMovie" screen on the Apple iPhone after updating the app to version 3.0. The new modes for video editing are presented here.
Crop of the “New in iMovie” screen on the Apple iPhone after updating the app to version 3.0. The new modes for video editing are presented here.

Storyboard mode in Apple iMovie 3.0 for iOS and iPadOS

After this introduction or when setting up a new project, you can now choose whether you want to use "Magic Movie", "Storyboard" or "Film". The latter comes with the note: “[…] completely redesigned with the iMovie timeline.' so in case you've forgotten what mode it is. Let's start with storyboards. Here you can select and customize the following preset styles: About Me, Celebration, Cooking, Day in the Life, DIY, Gaming, How It Works, Makeover, Q&A, Movie, Thank You, Top 5, Travel, Wellness, Product Presentation, Product Review , Presentation, Book Review, News Report, Scientific Experiment and Trailer. Some are clearly aimed at influencers.

iMovie 3.0 with Storyboard mode on the iPhone: Here you can see the selection of the individual presets and the screen after selecting one of the options.
iMovie 3.0 with Storyboard mode on the iPhone: Here you can see the selection of the individual presets and the screen after selecting one of the options.

Magic Movie mode in Apple iMovie 3.0 for iPhone and iPad

If the storyboard mode is still too much and if you prefer an automatically created compilation of selected photos and videos, the Magic Movie function is a good choice. If you tap on this option, you can then select media from your media library and import them into the project. There the photos and / or videos are then automatically arranged, adjusted in length and accompanied by music. The whole thing is reminiscent of the "Retrospective" function in the Photos app, except that in iMovie you can choose the image content yourself and make a few adjustments. But good for those unfamiliar with video editing.

Timeline - create your own movie with iMovie 3.0 

If you don't feel like learning about video editing, then "Magic Movie" is definitely a good choice. And the "storyboards" are sure to help anyone who wants to share more complex content, cause a bit of a stir on social media, or try to be an influencer. But then there is also the unexcited timeline. Add photos and videos here as usual, adjust them yourself in length and style, and make any other changes manually. Although there are not all options here iMovie on Mac offers a few useful options. Tip: If you hold it sideways, you'll see more.

The completely manual video editing takes place in iMovie 3.0 for iOS and iPadOS on the timeline or in film mode. Transitions are set directly on the timeline, further options open up via the gear icon. Here is the portrait view.
The completely manual video editing takes place in iMovie 3.0 for iOS and iPadOS on the timeline or in film mode. Transitions are set directly on the timeline, further options open up via the gear icon. Here is the portrait view.
In my opinion, a more comfortable use as well as a larger video preview results from the use in landscape format.
In my opinion, a more comfortable use as well as a larger video preview results from the use in landscape format.

You can find more information about iMovie 3.0 for iPhone and iPad in the Official press release from Apple on the topic (published on April 12, 2022). There you will also be informed that at least iOS 15.2 or iPadOS 15.2 is required for the update and use of the new iMovie function.

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