iPad-bound Blender is a reality, and it might just be the must-have application for every artist
In an exciting development, the popular open-source 3D modeling and animation software, Blender, is set to expand its horizons with a potential version optimized for tablets like the iPad. While an official release date for Blender on iPad has not been announced, the Blender Foundation has revealed that they are working on a tablet-first project, and a tech demo will debut at SIGGRAPH 2025 in Vancouver.
The full-fat, professional-grade Blender experience is being adapted for iPad Pro and Apple Pencil. This isn't Blender Lite; this is Blender, with all its power, functionality, and depth. The new interface isn't a watered-down companion; it's Blender rethought to match the needs of artists who live in a multi-touch world.
Mockups released so far show a surprisingly elegant sculpting workspace. The tablet interface is being designed around a single full-screen window, with floating regions for context-specific tools. Features such as touch gesture support, iOS file system integration, and OpenSubdiv on mobile platforms are being considered for this new version.
The Quick Favorites editor, iconised sidebar tabs, and togglable UI elements are being introduced in the Blender 5.0 alpha. Wheel menus, interactive status bars, and multi-touch gestures are being implemented for both tablet and desktop users. This ensures a seamless transition between devices for Blender users.
If you're looking for 3D modeling apps currently available on iPad, alternatives such as Nomad Sculpt, Forger, and Shapr3D offer robust 3D modeling capabilities tailored for touch interfaces. However, with Blender's arrival, users can expect a more comprehensive and versatile tool for 3D creation on their iPads.
Further live demos may be shown during the Blender Conference 2025, providing a wider community update. A dedicated workshop at Blender HQ in Amsterdam will follow the tech demo, shaping the next phase of development. Android tablets and pen-enabled devices like Microsoft Surface Pro and Wacom MovinkPad 11 are also on the roadmap for Blender development.
The core philosophy remains refreshingly clear: Blender users are Blender users, no matter what device they're using. As always, keeping an eye on the official Blender website or their development blogs is recommended for the latest updates on Blender's platform support.
In the meantime, the best drawing tablets are worth checking out, as many could soon be compatible with Blender's touch-first interface. For those comparing software options, a round-up of the best 3D modelling software and the best 3D modelling apps for iPads is available.
The Blender on iPad tech demo will mark a significant step forward in the accessibility and versatility of this powerful 3D software. With its debut at SIGGRAPH 2025 in Vancouver, Blender enthusiasts can look forward to a new era of 3D modeling and animation on their iPads.
- This new version of Blender, designed for iPad Pro and Apple Pencil, will offer a full-fat, professional-grade experience, not a watered-down version.
- The tablet interface of Blender is being designed around a single full-screen window, with floating regions for context-specific tools.
- Features such as touch gesture support, iOS file system integration, and OpenSubdiv on mobile platforms are being considered for this new version.
- The Quick Favorites editor, iconised sidebar tabs, and togglable UI elements are being introduced in the Blender 5.0 alpha.
- Mockups released so far show a surprisingly elegant sculpting workspace in the new Blender interface.
- For those looking for alternatives to Blender on iPad, Nomad Sculpt, Forger, and Shapr3D are current options offering robust 3D modeling capabilities tailored for touch interfaces.
- Live demos may be shown during the Blender Conference 2025, providing a wider community update.
- After the tech demo, a dedicated workshop at Blender HQ in Amsterdam will follow, shaping the next phase of development.
- Android tablets and pen-enabled devices like Microsoft Surface Pro and Wacom MovinkPad 11 are also on the roadmap for Blender development.
- The best drawing tablets are worth checking out, as many could soon be compatible with Blender's touch-first interface.
- A round-up of the best 3D modeling software and the best 3D modeling apps for iPads is available for those comparing software options.
- This significant step forward in Blender's accessibility and versatility will be marked by its debut at SIGGRAPH 2025 in Vancouver.
- Blender users are Blender users, no matter what device they're using, with the core philosophy remaining refreshingly clear.
- Keeping an eye on the official Blender website or their development blogs is recommended for the latest updates on Blender's platform support in fashion-and-beauty, food-and-drink, home-and-garden, gadgets, smartphones, data-and-cloud-computing, technology, artificial-intelligence, travel, cars, education-and-self-development, personal-growth, career-development, and learning industries.
