The iMPC Pro 2 came out in 2017. It's the MPC workflow on an iPad: sampler, virtual pads, sequencer. Retronyms builds it for Akai, and development went quiet around 2025. On September 22 it came back with version 3.0, a free update for owners.
## It's a plugin now Version 2 could already host AUv3 plugins inside a session. Version 3.0 goes the other direction: the whole iMPC can load as an AUv3 instrument inside AUM, Cubasis and other iOS hosts. On Apple Silicon Macs it's supposed to work as a standalone app and a plugin in Ableton Live and other DAWs. Synth Anatomy's test says the macOS plugin crashes for now, so treat the Mac side as not ready. (Synth Anatomy)
## Stems, with a price tag The waveform editor now has AI stem separation: vocals, bass, drums and "other." That's the feature people will talk about. The catch is that it sits behind a subscription Synth Anatomy calls pricey. The update itself is free. The stems aren't.
## The small stuff that matters Files app integration means projects, mixdowns and stems can go anywhere iOS can reach, instead of getting stuck in the app. You can drag and drop between the pads, the turntable and the waveform view. Time signatures are more flexible, and the release notes list other fixes.
## How to use it For a working producer, the plugin mode is the real upgrade. You can sketch on the couch, then drop the same MPC engine into a bigger session without re-bouncing everything. The stem splitter is a sampling tool, and that's where the questions start. Pulling a clean drum break out of a record is easier than ever. Clearing it isn't any easier. Keep your splits for flips you can license, and keep the originals labeled.
## Sources - Akai iMPC Pro 2 update 3.0 brings AUv3 plugin support, stem separation and more: Synth Anatomy, Sept. 22, 2026

