Blender Set to Revolutionise Mobile 3D Creation with iPad and Android Tablet Versions
Blender, the renowned free and open-source 3D graphics software, is finally breaking free from its desktop confines. The Blender team has officially announced that development is underway for dedicated versions of the powerful 3D modelling and animation tool for iPad and Android tablets, marking a significant step towards making 3D technology more accessible.
For years, Blender has been a cornerstone for 3D artists and animators, primarily available on Windows, macOS, and Linux. This desktop-only limitation has been a point of frustration for a growing number of users who rely on iPads or Android tablets as their primary computing devices, especially as other industry-standard creative tools like Photoshop, AutoCAD, and Krita have successfully transitioned to the mobile platform.
Embracing Multi-Touch Platforms
In a recent blog post, the Blender team explained the strategic shift: Multi-touch interfaces like tablets have been common for years, but only recently, thanks to increased processing power, have they started to serve as primary computing devices. To support Blender’s mission of making 3D technology accessible to everyone, it’s important to fully embrace these platforms. This expansion will target a range of devices, including the iPad, Samsung Galaxy Tab, HUAWEI MatePad, and more.
A Complete Blender Experience on the Go
The ambition is to deliver a complete Blender experience on tablets, without any intentional simplification of the interface or functionality. The initial focus will be on core features like basic object manipulation and sculpting, with Grease Pencil and storyboarding support slated for later development. Interestingly, some of the work initiated for the tablet versions, such as a Quick Favorites editor and a Helper overlay for curated shortcuts, will also benefit the desktop application.
iPad First, Android to Follow
The development strategy prioritises the iPad version first, leveraging support for the Apple Pencil. Android and other generic tablet versions are planned to follow a pattern commonly observed with professional design tools. The team emphasised that the target audience remains existing Blender users, aiming for parity between desktop and tablet experiences. There is no distinction between desktop and tablet users; in the same way, mouse/keyboard and graphic tablet users are treated equally, the blog post stated, reaffirming the commitment to a full experience on mobile.
Seeking Feedback and Developers
While an estimated release date for Blender on tablets has not yet been announced, the team is actively seeking feedback and additional developers to join the project. Enthusiasts will get a first look at a tech demo of the app running on an iPad Pro at the upcoming SIGGRAPH 2025 graphics conference in Vancouver next month.
