Apple’s “Spring Loaded” event dropped plenty of exciting tech yesterday, but one highlight that’s been stealing the spotlight isn’t a new device—it’s the upcoming Procreate 5.2 update for iPad. Built to leverage the new iPad Pro’s M1 chip, this refresh is packed with upgrades, and one feature in particular has creators buzzing.
Procreate has long been a go-to Photoshop alternative for iPad-based digital artists, already standing out as a powerhouse for digital illustration. But with the first Apple tablet to pack an M1 chip behind it, the app is about to level up big time. Savage Interactive, the developer behind Procreate, shared in a statement that the M1 chip will crank up the app’s speed by as much as 4x. On top of that, it’s adding upgraded accessibility tools—think simplified touch controls, audio feedback, and adjustable font sizes—to make creative work more accessible for all.
But the real showstopper? Procreate’s brand-new 3D Painting tool, which has the internet abuzz. The feature lets artists import 3D objects (supporting USDZ and OBJ formats, for now) and paint directly on their surfaces—any angle, any texture, no limits. You can even tweak details like roughness and metallicity to get the perfect finish, whether you’re making a sleek digital product mockup or a textured character design. And with AR integration, creators can plop their 3D painted pieces into the real world using AR Quick Look to see how they fit IRL.
It sounds like something out of a futuristic movie, but this 3D painting capability is arriving soon to iPads—no high-end model required. The Procreate team took to Twitter to confirm that 3D Painting won’t be locked to premium iPads; any model that makes our list of top drawing tablets will support the feature. There’s no official release date yet, but Savage Interactive promises it’s coming soon—and it’ll be a free update for existing Procreate users.
Just like last year, 2021 is shaping up to be a huge year for creatives—especially those who swear by their iPads. Scroll for the top iPad deals right now, and be sure to hit our Apple deals page for even more great offers.
