Serato DJ 5.0 launches alongside new iPhone and iPad app

Serato DJ 5.0 has officially arrived, bringing the new Lucid Beatgrids engine, Open Streaming, and Cue Loops out of beta. However, the bigger announcement is that Serato has finally brought its DJ software to iPhone and iPad, allowing DJs to prepare tracks and perform without carrying a laptop.

The new Serato DJ for iOS uses the same underlying engine as Serato DJ Pro, with a touchscreen interface featuring familiar decks, waveforms, crates, and performance pads. It supports more than 120 compatible hardware setups, including controllers and mixers from AlphaTheta, Pioneer DJ, Rane, Numark, and other manufacturers. DJs without external equipment can also mix directly on the screen.

The mobile app includes Serato Stems, effects, cue points, loops, and access to Apple Music, Spotify, Tidal, Beatport, and SoundCloud. Its new Serato iOS Transfer feature allows users to move music, crates, cue points, beatgrids, and other library information from a computer to their iPhone or iPad, either wirelessly or by cable.

Meanwhile, the desktop update introduces automatic tempo tracking through Lucid Beatgrids, which can follow changing BPMs and live drumming. Open Streaming lets DJs use several supported streaming services simultaneously, while Cue Loops combines a hot cue and a loop into a single trigger. Serato DJ for iOS is free to download, but advanced features require a $149 one-time purchase or the $14.99-per-month Serato DJ Suite subscription. Existing Suite subscribers can use the app without an additional purchase.

The app requires as minimum requirements iOS or iPadOS 18.6, although Serato recommends newer hardware and software for the best experience.

After years of DJs carrying laptops into booths, Serato is finally offering a considerably smaller alternative. Just remember that a phone replacing your laptop doesn't necessarily mean replacing your mixer.