Logic Pro is available for $199, while MainStage costs $29.99. Both apps have also been updated with new features and improvements. MainStage has received a revamped interface, it can now take advantage of Macs with 4+ processor cores, and it supports more MIDI devices. Logic Pro comes preloaded with an extensive collection of instruments, effects, and Apple Loops, making it simpler to create stunning sounds and songs.

Among all the new software that Apple has released and updated this week comes Xcode 4.1, which had been in developer preview status (along with OS X Lion for much of the time) until Wednesday. The new version of Xcode is available on the Mac App Store. Being able to download and install Xcode 4.1 requires that a user has OS X Lion installed, although it strangely shows up as a free download for Snow Leopard users as well.

Apple has updated its iWork suite to 9.1 update 6 in order to bring support for new features in OS X Lion: full screen mode, resume and auto save, versions, and character picker. The update is available for download from Software Update, the Mac App Store, and as a standalone installer from Apple’s support document for the release. Following is the changelog for this update…

Apple has just updated Aperture, its own professional photo editing and management software, with some bug fixes and a few new features, including the ability to upload photos, go full screen in OS X Lion with the native full screen button, toggle gestures, and load slideshows in the background. Improved stability and a few enhancements make this quite a worthy update for Apple’s highly-praised professional photo editing app.

Apple has just updated all five of its iLife apps for OS X, mostly with minor bug fixes and changes. Those who have purchased the apps via the Mac App Store can head over there to update, and those who have purchased physical copies can update through Software Update or from Apple’s support web page. Following are the changelogs for GarageBand 6.0.4, iMovie 9.0.4, iPhoto 9.1.5, iWeb 3.0.4, and iDVD 7.1.2 for OS X…

After the release of Final Cut Pro X yesterday, Apple has decided to discontinue both Final Cut Express and Final Cut Server (along with Final Cut Studio). Those looking for video editing software from Apple will now only have two choices: iMovie or Final Cut Pro X.

Those looking forward to purchasing OS X Lion and Lion Server for their educational institution or business will now be able to determine how much it will cost them, as Apple has revealed its pricing for business and education. It will start at $29.99 per license in bulk, and both Lion and Lion Server will still be available to those customers via the Mac App Store.

In case you missed it, the Mac App Store launched today. Promising to bring iOS’s easy app-discovery process to your Mac desktop, the App Store is available as of today with over 1,000 apps right out of the gate. It could not be simpler to navigate, as it uses common navigation control from the iOS App Store and iTunes. With lower prices, which are good for consumers, and wider visibility, which is good for developers, the App Store looks like a win-win experience all around.

There you go folks! Apple has officially opened the Mac App Store. Those who are running Snow Leopard on your Mac machines, time to hit the software update button to get Mac OS X v10.6.6. If you have pending updates for other systems, I suggest you uncheck them first and just select the update button for the Mac OS X v10.6.6. Apple’s server will definitely go heywire at this moment due to the influx of Apple users who will try get first dibs on what the Mac App Store has to offer.

It’s been a while since we’ve seen a major update concerning iLife, which makes it that much easier to believe this new rumor that it’s coming in August. Not just that, but it’s also said to have a brand new application. The rumor also declares the death of the iDVD, improvements to iPhoto Faces and Places, a totally renewed iWeb, and more. Jump past the break for details (and our thoughts, of course).