Apple to buy Pixelmator, maker of popular photo-editing apps

Apple Inc. agreed to buy software maker Pixelmator, adding a popular high-end photo-editing app to its lineup.

Pixelmator announced the acquisition on its blog Friday, saying its Lithuania-based team would be joining Apple.

The 17-year-old company founded by brothers Saulius Dailide and Aidas Dailide makes apps for the Mac, iPad and iPhone.

The two companies already have a close relationship: Apple has frequently touted Pixelmator software in its marketing  including an iPad event last month and the apps use an interface akin to the iPhone maker's own applications.

The business's main app, Pixelmator Pro, includes advanced editing tools that are reminiscent of features within Adobe Inc.'s Photoshop, Illustrator and other programs, such as layers and vectors.

The software also taps into a series of Apple-specific technologies, including iCloud, Shortcuts and the iPad's Pencil.

Apple, based in Cupertino, California, confirmed the transaction on Friday. Terms weren't disclosed.

For Apple, the acquisition gives customers a high-end photo editing app for the first time since the company discontinued Aperture, its Photoshops alternative, about a decade ago.

Recently, the company has been releasing pro-level apps, including Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro, on the iPad via subscriptions.