Apple Developing Snapchat-Like Video App: Bloomberg

Citing people familiar with the matter, Bloomberg reports that Apple is working on a video sharing and editing app for iOS, an effort that is part of the company’s strategy to integrate social networking apps within its mobile operating system.

Apple logo

Apple’s previous foray in social media services — think Ping — was unsuccessful, and there are questions about the popularity of the Connect feature of Apple Music as well. However, as Snapchat and Facebook Messenger have reached new heights in adoption rate, Apple “is seeking to create its own features to remain relevant, particularly for younger users,” Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman says.

The software is currently being designed to be used mostly with one hand and with the intention that video could be shot, edited, and uploaded in less than 1 minute, the people said. At least one of the prototype designs for the app would shoot video in an Instagram-like square shape, one of the people said.

Alongside the updated iMessage app, Apple is working on a Snapchat-like video sharing app, which would allow users to record video, apply filters and drawings to the media (the updated iMessage app launching with iOS 10 includes similar features) and share it with contacts or on existing social media platforms. The app is developed by the same department that is responsible for the Final Cut Pro and iMovie, the sources say.

Apple’s current plan calls for its project to become a stand-alone app, presumably as a download via the App Store, but the company may decide to package the functionality into the iPhone’s existing camera application, the people said.

Apple is allegedly targeting 2017 for launching the app, but like with other projects, this could be killed if it doesn’t meet the company’s expectations and timetable.

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