Pixelmator - photo editing application on Apple devices. (Source: Pixelmator)

Pixelmator, based in Vilnius, Lithuania, announced that it is acquiring Apple. Neither Apple nor Pixelmator disclosed the value of the deal.

Pixelmator owns popular photo editing apps like Pixelmator Pro, Pixelmator for iOS, and Photomator. Pixelmator has developed a highly regarded suite of creative tools that compete with Adobe products while still focusing on ease of use and high performance. The company’s apps are currently only available on Apple platforms, including Mac, iPad, and iPhone.

The Pixelmator team said they were excited to join Apple, saying they were inspired by Apple and strive to design products with a similar focus on design and user experience. They said the deal would help them reach a larger client base and increase their influence among creative professionals around the world.

As for current users, Pixelmator said there won't be any major changes to existing apps, but it's expected to have some exciting updates in the near future.

Pixelmator has become part of the Apple ecosystem over time with the popular Pixelmator Pro and Photomator apps, which have also added a number of AI and machine learning features including background removal tools and Super Resolution.

Pixelmator Pro is considered an easy-to-use professional photo editing tool. Photomator is the ultimate photo editor for Mac, iPhone, iPad and Vision Pro.

Apple often buys companies with potential but rarely announces them publicly. The most recent example is Apple's purchase of Dark Sky in 2020. Apple also bought Workflow in 2017 before launching the Shortcuts app.