Blender iPad Pro App: Bringing Desktop-Class 3D Tools to Tablets
Blender users have long relied on desktops to unleash the full power of this open-source 3D creation suite, but that’s about to change. The Blender iPad Pro app is officially in development, marking a major shift for creators who prefer working on portable, touch-based devices. Designed with full Apple Pencil Pro support, the app promises to deliver professional-grade sculpting, modeling, and animation tools directly to your iPad screen—without compromising features or performance. Whether you're a 3D artist, animator, or game developer, the upcoming Blender app is poised to transform how and where you work.
Full Blender Experience on iPad Pro with Apple Pencil
The developers behind Blender have made one thing clear: this won't be a watered-down version. Unlike many creative tools that release limited mobile editions, the Blender iPad Pro app is being built with the same core architecture as its desktop counterpart. That means users can expect high-performance sculpting and modeling tools, a multitouch interface, and full Apple Pencil Pro functionality right out of the gate.
Initial versions of the app will focus heavily on sculpting and basic object manipulation, optimized for touch and stylus input. Floating UI panels, contextual tool overlays, and single-window workflows will be implemented to take full advantage of the iPad Pro’s display and performance capabilities. Instead of cramming everything into complex menus, the app’s design centers on minimalism and efficiency—something Blender users working on-the-go will appreciate.
Most importantly, the team has emphasized that the new tablet interface will not sacrifice depth or flexibility. Whether you're using a mouse, a stylus, or multitouch gestures, you'll still be working within the same robust Blender environment. The iPad isn’t just another platform—it’s becoming a full creative workstation for professional users.
Designed for Artists, Built with Blender’s Full Power
According to the Blender development blog, the goal isn't to make the software more accessible to beginners—it’s to make it more accessible to everyone who already uses Blender. That includes seasoned 3D modelers, animators, VFX artists, and game designers who may want the flexibility of switching between desktop and tablet environments.
The interface is being reimagined for touch input, but the feature set will remain advanced. Features like the Grease Pencil, storyboarding tools, and quick-access custom overlays are being planned for future updates. Even the sculpting workflow will benefit from platform-specific enhancements that blend the power of desktop Blender with the intuitiveness of iPad-based controls.
Blender is also working on several shared improvements that will benefit both mobile and desktop users. These include a new Quick Favorites editor and Helper overlay with curated shortcuts—tools that streamline user experience across devices. The company’s bold push into mobile platforms will likely inspire similar moves from other open-source and commercial 3D platforms in the years ahead.
When to Expect the Blender iPad Pro App—and What’s Next
While Blender hasn’t provided an official launch date yet, a live tech demo of the Blender iPad Pro app is expected at SIGGRAPH 2025 in Vancouver. The event will include development discussions and design workshops, offering fans and professionals an early glimpse of what’s coming. Following that, more information will be shared at Blender HQ and the annual Blender Conference later this year.
Beyond the iPad Pro, the roadmap also includes support for other tablet devices with touch and stylus input. This includes the Microsoft Surface, Huawei MatePad, and Wacom MovinkPad—indicating a multi-platform expansion that could redefine Blender’s role in mobile content creation. As tablets become more powerful and stylus support more precise, it's clear that Blender intends to be a leader in the future of mobile 3D design.
Even for those who stick with desktop platforms, there’s something to gain from this development. The innovations made for the iPad version will inform improvements in the desktop experience, proving once again that open-source development can lead the industry—not just follow it.
The upcoming Blender iPad Pro app is more than just a port—it's a strategic move to extend professional 3D workflows into the tablet space. With Apple Pencil Pro integration, sculpting and modeling will feel more natural and portable than ever before. Whether you're an established Blender veteran or a creative professional looking for flexibility, this app has the potential to change your workflow entirely. Stay tuned for its official reveal at SIGGRAPH 2025, and get ready to carry your full 3D studio in your hands.
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