An Unrealistic Feature Request - M1 iPad Port (limited functionality)
I know, I know, this kind of request seems ridiculous on the surface, but I seriously would love this, even if limited in functionality. I’m not suggesting a full port.
Put simply, I would love to have a simple iPad port of Blender’s modeling, sculpting, and texturing features. Even if limited to not having cycles (perhaps even rendering), not having particles, not having extremely high polygon counts, I still would want this. The iPad is practically built to be an interface for 3d modeling. The main issue is that the current apps that exist aren’t even close to proper for game asset creation.
Sure, we are missing numpads, a full desktop OS, and some ram limitations, but I still think it can somewhat be done functionally, even with limited ability. I’m willing to bet many 3d artists would agree with me in that even simple box modeling on the go would be huge. The idea of boxing out some 3d models on the go / basic sculpting have me drooling as concepts could be quickly flushed out for pitches and ideas for projects.
I know this could be done with two in one laptops, a beefed up Microsoft surface, etc, but, honestly, nothing beats the Apple Pencil, iPad OS gestures. Apple’s light weight design + large battery, along with precise stylus tracking. It makes this device hard to beat in the sculpting game unless you buy dedicated tablets like Wacom).
That said, I recognize a port of this kind would require a massive amount of work, testing, maintenance, etc. but a man can dream.
If this ever does happen, to the people that do it, you’re my heroes. If not, thanks for indulging in my ludicrous dream.
3 Comments
I was hopeful after the last Blender conference that they will make an honest effort to bring at least part if not all of the Blender app to the iPad Pro. One sticking point that several people bring up on forums is the GPL claiming it’s not compatible with Apple’s App Store but Apple has revamped their App Store guidelines to allow apps that use the GPL, some of which are Apple’s own apps github.com/dkhamsing/open-source-ios-apps/blob/master/README.md Then there’s Apple taking 30% from profits for any software that makes a profit but that hasn’t stopped others. Even with sideloading coming later this year we’re already seeing several apps used by studios and indie artists brought over to the iPad Pro M1 and M2 models (DaVinci Resolve, Octane X 3D renderer, MoCap software, etc). So will 2023 be the year we finally see Blender on the iPad Pro? Maybe. Will it never come to the iPad Pro? I doubt we’ll have to wait long especially with competitors already making the leap or have announced they are bringing their pro apps from MacOS to iPadOS. 🤔
There are ways to run Blender on Ipad.
Even native build is possible.
The real problem is UI and shitty app store (from developer and license point of view).
devtalk.blender.org/t/blender-for-ipad-pro-please/17429