The new beta version continues Adobe's ongoing modernization of 3D workflows in After Effects, making it possible to import 3D models and render them using the new Advanced 3D Renderer. Although Adobe's blog dedicated to this beta version may give the impression that the entire 3D workspace is new, most of the mentioned features were introduced in After Effects 24.1 and 24.2.
What's new in the latest beta version is the ability to import 3D models with animation, as well as static assets, and incorporate this animation into After Effects compositions. This includes animated characters, although currently After Effects only imports 3D assets in OBJ and glTF/GLB formats, limiting you to glTF and GLB files.

Among other features in the current beta version is the ability to copy and paste keyframes between multiple layers, which is currently only available using third-party scripts. Users select keyframe groups with a marker, then choose a point on the timeline where they need to be inserted, with the option to insert in reverse order to create loops. The beta version also introduces new keyboard shortcuts for navigating between in and out points, and improves the performance of the Roto Brush. The interface has also been updated to match the new Adobe Spectrum 2 design system. The main change at the moment is the ability to switch to a light theme UI without using the console, as well as additional customization to reduce tonal contrast between UI elements in both light and dark themes.

Additionally, a number of minor improvements have been made to the timeline, batch processing, keyboard shortcut editor, and user interface. Other changes include support for the Apple Log color space introduced in the iPhone 15 Pro, as well as updates to the SDK and supported media formats.

Beta versions of After Effects are available to subscribers through the Creative Cloud desktop application. The current stable version of After Effects 24.3 is available only for Windows 10 and above and macOS 12.0 and above on a rental basis. The subscription cost for a single After Effects application is $34.49 per month or $263.88 per year.