Blender begins development for tablet platforms with iPad Pro tech demo

Aug 20, 2025 by CGPress Staff

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Blender has begun work on adapting its 3D software for multi-touch platforms, with the first release targeted at Apple’s iPad Pro using Apple Pencil. The development was announced ahead of a tech demo scheduled for SIGGRAPH 2025 in Vancouver.

The project aims to bring the full functionality of Blender to standalone tablets such as the iPad, Microsoft Surface, Huawei MatePad, and Wacom MovinkPad. Initial work will focus on object manipulation and sculpting, followed by Grease Pencil and storyboarding tools. The effort includes designing task-oriented user interfaces with reduced information density, while maintaining parity with the desktop version.

Mockups released by the development team illustrate sculpting and asset manipulation workflows adapted for tablet use. These prototypes feature floating tool panels, collapsible menus, quick access overlays, and a single-window approach with temporary context regions. A custom application template is being created for touch devices, but the improvements are expected to benefit desktop users as well, including Quick Favorites, curated shortcut overlays, and new sidebar tab options.

Tablet-specific features under development include multi-touch gestures, wheel menus, an interactive status bar, and improved handling of multiple active editors. iOS contributions are invited for areas such as touch events, file system integration with iCloud and AirDrop, and OpenSubdiv support.

Following SIGGRAPH, a workshop will take place at Blender HQ in Amsterdam to refine the design and workflows, with further demonstrations planned for Blender Conference 2025.

For more information, visit the Blender development site.