iMovie for iPhone Has Limitations, No 3GS Support

A source eager to know the limitations and requirements of Apple’s new iMovie app for iOS has been able to confirm that the software is only compatible with iPhone 4 hardware, and lacks exporting features. However, evidence of at least one of these limitations was already available from Apple itself. iMovie for iPhone is scheduled to launch at precisely the same time iPhone 4 goes on sale in the US (June 24).

“Because your iPhone goes with you everywhere, you’re always ready to capture every moment,” Apple says on its website, talking about the new HD Video Recording features. “And with iPhone 4, you can do it in stunning high definition. Its advanced backside illumination sensor delivers great-looking video in both bright and low-light settings. And in dark environments, you can brighten the scene with the built-in LED light,” the company states.

It then goes to brag about the capabilities of its new iMovie app, revealing it has been “specifically designed for the Multi-Touch technology on iPhone 4,” providing what was the first real evidence that the app was iOS 4-bound. Indeed, this is the case, according to unnamed sources within Apple who’ve confirmed the hardware requirements to TidBITS. The reason is the iPhone 4's A4 processor, the only one currently able to handle the HD video and to create real-time transitions. Aside from the iPad (which is also unsupported due to differences in screen resolution), no other Apple iPhone or iPod touch is compatible either.

The limitations don’t end here. While video clips can be recorded directly within iMovie for iPhone (or imported from the Camera Roll), the content cannot be transferred over to iMovie on the Mac for further editing. Not now, anyway, the source suggests. The aforementioned insiders have also confirmed that iMovie for iPhone is scheduled to ship on June 24th, coinciding with the public debut of the iPhone 4.