Chapter 1: A Sneak Peek at Final Cut Pro 10.6.2

This morning, a wave of unboxing and review videos for the Mac Studio and Studio Display flooded YouTube. Notable creators such as Matti Haapoja, Peter McKinnon, Tyler Stalman, and Oliur shared their insights as Apple’s marketing team ramps up excitement for their latest high-performance computer. While the Studio Display might not have blown everyone away, its hefty price tag of $1599 USD raises eyebrows. (Yes, I caved and purchased one—will I regret it? Time will tell!)

Among these reviews, one stood out from the rest: iJustine's video celebrating the launch of the Studio Display and the new Mac Studio. If you're a passionate Final Cut Pro user like I am, you probably noticed something surprising right away—a brand-new feature!

iJustine's video not only showcased the new hardware but also revealed a feature that has been long requested by users: Dupe Detection.

Did iJustine inadvertently breach her NDA by showcasing this? It's unlikely. As a seasoned YouTuber, she is well aware of the implications of sharing sensitive information. But let’s dive into this exciting new addition!

Section 1.1: The Game-Changing Dupe Detection Feature

The Dupe Detection feature, now part of Final Cut Pro 10.6.2, is something many users have been clamoring for since its initial iteration. For years, professional editors have yearned for this tool, especially those who have experienced its benefits in other editing software. And finally, it’s here!

In the image above, you can see how duplicate clips are marked with a cross-hatching pattern within the Timeline Index. While iJustine's demonstration only used a single clip, the broader implications for projects with multiple clips and b-roll are intriguing.

This addition has sparked joy among professional editors who have long awaited its arrival. Conversations with fellow Final Cut Pro enthusiasts reveal a collective sigh of relief that this feature is finally available.

Section 1.2: Voice Isolation – A New Audio Enhancement

Upon closer examination of the user interface in iJustine’s video, another exciting feature appears under the Audio section: “Voice Isolation.”

This feature is speculated to help eliminate background noise or music from audio tracks, reducing the risk of copyright strikes on social media platforms when using video clips. Many editors believe it mirrors the voice isolation options found in macOS Monterey and iOS 15, which enhance voice clarity by filtering out ambient sounds.

In a surprising move, it appears Apple may have authorized iJustine to highlight the Dupe Detection feature in her early version of Final Cut Pro. She likely coordinated with Apple before releasing her video, fully aware of their traditionally secretive nature.

UPDATE: iJustine provided her thoughts on Twitter:

She praised the Dupe Detection feature, indicating its significance to content creators.

Conclusion: A Shift in Apple's Approach?

So, why did Apple choose to unveil this new version of Final Cut Pro ahead of time? They are listening. Engaging with the creator community is crucial, especially for a software like Final Cut Pro, which serves millions of filmmakers and content creators.

Apple has shown signs of adaptation, such as:

• The launch of the Mac Pro in 2019.
• The introduction of the M1 chip series.
• The unveiling of the Mac Studio.
• The reintroduction of an Apple-designed display.

These developments suggest that Apple is moving towards a more transparent relationship with their professional user base. I eagerly anticipate exploring Final Cut Pro 10.6.2 on my new Mac Studio with the Studio Display.

Apple—thank you for keeping us informed. Here’s to a future filled with even more exciting updates!