Adobe is reportedly releasing a full version of Photoshop on the iPad in 2019
Well, this is a change in strategy.
Adobe confirmed to Bloomberg on Friday that it plans to launch a full version of Photoshop for iPad.
This marks a turning point for Adobe since Photoshop was previously only available for macOS. Until the advent of the iPad Pro in 2017, the iPad was somewhat limited in power and capability of handling a powerful editing product like Photoshop. It appears that will soon change.
The report claims that Adobe is still developing what it calls a cross-platform versions of its most popular software, including Photoshop. The new apps will reportedly work across various devices and operating systems. The new applications won't arrive until 2019.
Adobe's mobile strategy thus far has been to release several apps bearing the Photoshop name that include select features of the desktop application. Photoshop Express includes a basic set of editing tools along with text overlays, borders, and stickers. Adobe Sketch is for the on-the-go artist. It allows you to quickly sketch out an idea and order prints. Both of these work with Creative Cloud, and let you send layers and projects back to the desktop.
The current landscape of Adobe iOS apps is rather fragmented. Other app developers like ProCreate, Pixelmator, and Affinity Photo went with an iPad first approach. It’s one that has worked, and creative professionals who use Apple’s tablet have typically used these apps. However, this new iteration of Photoshop will be cross-platform from the get-go with a cloud-first mindset.
Unlike the typical pricing structure of an iOS app, customers will need to sign up for Creative Cloud to gain access. Currently, the base plan comes in at $9.99 a month for access to Photoshop.
Apple’s iPad line is likely to see upgrades in the coming months, but the current iPad Pro with a 64-bit A10X Fusion chip should run the app with ease.
Adobe will most likely show off Photoshop for iPad at the Adobe MAX conference in October, with a release in 2019. All-in-all this seems like a big win for creatives and a more significant victory for Apple.
The iPad Pro has been touted as a PC alternative for, and desktop class application like Photoshop would add more fuel to the fire.
