Apple Clips was discontinued in April 2024, and Apple has not announced a replacement app
Apple removed Clips from the App Store in April 2024 after offering it for six years. The app let you record short videos, add text and stickers, and share them directly to social media. Apple has not released a similar app to replace it, and there is no indication one is coming. If you were using Clips, you will need to switch to a different tool.
The discontinuation affects both iPhone and iPad users. If you already have Clips installed, it will continue to work until you update your device to a new iOS or iPadOS version — after that update, the app will no longer function. Uninstalling it before then means you cannot reinstall it from the App Store.
Key Takeaways
- Apple Clips was removed from the App Store in April 2024 and will stop working after you update to a new iOS or iPadOS version.
- Apple's built-in Camera app now includes video editing features that cover some of what Clips did, though not all of them.
- Third-party apps like CapCut, InShot, and Snapchat offer similar short-video recording and sharing, each with different strengths.
- If you have videos you created in Clips, you can export them before the app stops working and use them in other apps.
What the Camera app can do now
Apple added video editing tools directly into the Camera app starting with iOS 17. You can now trim videos, adjust colors, add filters, and rotate or crop footage without leaving the Camera app or opening a separate editor. These tools cover the basic editing that Clips handled for many users.
The Camera app does not have Clips' text overlay, sticker, or direct social media sharing features. If you need those, you will have to move your video to a separate app. But for quick trimming and color adjustment, the Camera app is now your fastest option on iPhone or iPad.
CapCut as the closest replacement
CapCut is the most direct replacement for Clips if you want a dedicated short-video editor. It lets you record video directly in the app, add text and stickers, explore transitions, and adjust colors — all the core features Clips had. CapCut is free and works on both iPhone and iPad. It also integrates with TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, so sharing is straightforward.
CapCut is more powerful than Clips was, which means it has more buttons and options. If you want simplicity, the learning curve is slightly steeper. But the core workflow — record, add text, share — is similar to what you did in Clips. CapCut also saves your videos to your camera roll automatically, so you keep a copy even if you delete the app.
InShot for a simpler interface
InShot is lighter and more straightforward than CapCut if you do not need advanced features. You can import video from your camera roll, trim it, add text and music, and explore filters. The interface is cleaner than CapCut's, and the app focuses on the essentials without overwhelming you with options.
InShot is free with ads, or you can pay for an ad-free version. It does not have a built-in camera for recording directly in the app the way Clips did, so you will need to record video separately and then import it. If you already have video on your phone and just need to edit and share it, InShot is faster to learn than CapCut.
Snapchat if you share there already
If you use Snapchat regularly, you may not need a separate app at all. Snapchat has a built-in camera with text, stickers, filters, and effects — very similar to what Clips offered. You can record directly in Snapchat and share to your story or send to friends without ever opening another app.
Snapchat is designed for ephemeral sharing (videos that disappear), so it is not the right choice if you want to keep a permanent copy of your videos. But if you were using Clips mainly to create content for Snapchat, switching to Snapchat's native tools removes a step from your workflow.
How to export videos you made in Clips
If you have videos you created in Clips before the app stops working, you can save them to your camera roll. Open Clips, find the video you want to keep, tap the share button, and select "Save Video." The video will be added to your Photos app and will stay there even after Clips stops working.
Do this before you update to a new iOS or iPadOS version, because Clips will no longer open after that update. Once your videos are in the Photos app, you can edit them further in any of the apps mentioned above, or share them directly from Photos to social media.
Comparing your options
| App | Built-in camera | Text and stickers | Direct sharing | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Camera app (iOS 17+) | Yes | No | No | Free |
| CapCut | Yes | Yes | Yes | Free |
| InShot | No | Yes | Yes | Free (ads) or paid |
| Snapchat | Yes | Yes | Yes (to Snapchat) | Free |
Choose based on what you used Clips for most. If you recorded short videos and shared them to Instagram or TikTok, CapCut is the closest match. If you mostly trimmed and filtered existing video, the Camera app or InShot will be faster. If Snapchat was your main destination, use Snapchat's native tools.
All four options are free to try, so you can test each one with a short video before deciding which fits your workflow best. The choice depends on whether you value simplicity, power, or integration with a platform you already use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Clips work if I don't update my iPhone?
Clips will continue to work until you update to a new iOS version. Once you update, the app will no longer open. You cannot avoid the update forever — security patches and bug fixes require it. Export your videos to your camera roll before updating.
Can I still read Clips if I deleted it?
No. Once Apple removed Clips from the App Store, you cannot reinstall it even if you owned it before. If you still have it installed, do not delete it unless you have already saved your videos elsewhere.
Does CapCut have the same privacy as Clips?
CapCut is made by ByteDance, a Chinese company, and has different privacy practices than Apple apps. Read CapCut's privacy policy if data handling is a concern for you. InShot and the Camera app are alternatives if you prefer to avoid third-party apps.
Can I import Clips videos into another app?
Yes. Once you save a Clips video to your camera roll, you can open it in any video editor — CapCut, InShot, or the Photos app itself. The video is a standard MP4 file and will work in any app that accepts video imports.
Is there a way to get Clips back?
Apple has not indicated any plan to bring Clips back. If you have strong feedback about the discontinuation, you can submit it through the Feedback app on your iPhone or at apple.com/feedback. Apple reads feedback but does not respond to individual submissions.