Forger for iPad: The End of an Era in Mobile Sculpting
Maxon has decided to deliver the final chisel blow to Forger, its iPad sculpting app, which will stop receiving updates in September 2025. The news marks the end of a pioneering tool in mobile 3D modeling, now absorbed by the ZBrush giant.
"It was only a matter of time: two sculpting apps in the same ecosystem didn't make sense" — 3D Artist in specialized forums.
What Happens to Forger from Now On?
- September 10, 2025: End of support and updates
- It will disappear from the App Store
- Active subscriptions will work until they expire
- No automatic migration to ZBrush
ZBrush for iPad: The Reluctant Heir
Maxon is betting everything on its mobile version of ZBrush, which offers:
- Full compatibility with .zbr files (not .forger)
- More tools than Forger (including ZRemesher)
- Free version with basic features
- Included in the standard ZBrush subscription
What Artists Lose (and Gain)
Farewell to:
- Minimalist interface optimized for iPad
- More affordable price than ZBrush
- Ultra-fast workflow on tablet
Welcome:
- Complete professional tools
- Integration with desktop ZBrush
- Ongoing support from Maxon
Tips for Migration
- Export your .forger projects to .obj or .fbx
- Try the free version of ZBrush iPad before subscribing
- Take advantage of Pixologic tutorials to adapt
While some users lament the loss of a "simple but effective" app, others celebrate having all the tools in one place. That said, they'll have to get used to the "forger" (counterfeiter) being replaced by the original this time.
P.S.: If your iPad cries when opening ZBrush, you're not alone. It requires an A12 Bionic or higher... like everything nowadays.