Retronyms released the Akai iMPC Pro 2.0 update 3.0, which lets you host the app as an AUv3 plugin, use stem separation, and more.
With the standalone MPCs, Akai offers a complete standalone MPC ecosystem. This is also available as software for those who prefer working on a PC or Mac.
On the Apple App Store, you can also find the iMPC Pro 2 app, which gives you the MPC workflow for your iPad and macOS. Akai didn’t develop it; the US-based developer team Retronyms did. After a long development hiatus, a free major update – version 3-0 – is now available
What Is Akai iMPC Pro 2 App From 2017?
The iMPC Pro 2 is an iPadOS and macOS app released back in 2017 that is a beat-making environment based on the MPC workflow. It has a built-in sampler with all the classic features, virtual MPC pads, and a sequencer.
Version 2 also lets you host AUv3 plugins right in your session and introduced audio tracks.
That was nearly ten years ago. Since then, Retronyms has continued to develop and maintain the app, though there were periods of relative inactivity—such as between 2025 and 2026. During this time, there were few bug fixes and no major updates.
Now, however, Retronyms is back with the 3.0 version for the iMPC Pro 2 app. It’s a free update for existing users.
Akai iMPC Pro 2: update 3.0
Since version 2.0, you can host AUv3 plugins within the iMPC Pro 2 app. With version 3.0, you can also use the app as an AUv3 plugin in host applications such as AUM, Cubasis, and more.
This allows you to use iMPC Pro 2 not only as an environment but also as a standard virtual instrument. Very nice!
Better: if you are on macOS (native Apple Silicon), you can also use iMPC Pro 2 as a standalone app and as an AUv3 plugin in Ableton Live and other DAWs (but for now not usable because the macOS version crashes).
The second highlight of this new update, 3.0, is the all-new AI-driven stem splitting/separation feature in the updated waveform editor. With AI, you can split your track into four stems: vocals, bass, drums, and other.
A downside: it’s only available via a pricey subscription. The sample/waveform editor also brings improved visuals.
A good addition is the integration with Apple’s Files app, which lets users import and export projects, mixdowns, and stems more easily to any location iOS supports.
Update 3.0 also brings drag-and-drop support to and from trigger pads, the turntable, and waveform views. Also new is more flexible time signature selection, and the new notes section lets users write lyrics and more, synced with playback.
This update also includes many other small improvements and bug fixes. Sadly, version 3.0 already has new bugs that Retronyms needs to fix.
First Impression
It’s great to see that the iMPC Pro 2 app has received a major update after so many years. Being able to use the app as an AUv3 plugin within hosts is a fantastic addition. Stem separation is great, but it’s a shame they’ve made it so unattractive because of the expensive subscription model.
However, version 3.0 has bugs I hope they fix quickly—for instance, the macOS version crashes in standalone mode and doesn’t display correctly as an AUv3 plugin.
Akai iMPC Pro 2 version 3.0 is available now as a free update for existing users. The app is now at a special introductory price of $ 6.2 instead of $24,99 (75% OFF), and the iPhone version is $3.29 instead of $12,99 for a limited time. They run as a standalone and AUv3 plugin on iPadOS.
The new STEM separation is available via an 8,99€ monthly or 79,99€ yearly subscription, which gives you 10 credits each month.
More information here: Retronyms
Notices on the iPhone version that the annual pro stem pack is the same price for 12 months as it is for just 1. Nice!!!!