Pixelmator Pro 3.1.1, released in November 2022, represented a major step in the software's transition toward becoming a heavy-duty professional editor. This specific update followed the milestone "Marble" 3.1 release and was designed to solidify performance on Apple's latest hardware and operating systems at the time.

: The software gained the ability to open and edit high-bit-depth files, providing a higher dynamic range and more granular control for professional color grading.

In the years following 3.1.1, the landscape for Pixelmator changed drastically. By early 2026, Apple officially acquired the Pixelmator Team and integrated the software into the subscription bundle. While the app began as a "prosumer" alternative to Adobe Photoshop, versions like 3.1.1 were the turning point where it began to leverage deep system-level integration and Apple Silicon performance to rival industry leaders.