Adobe finally has a full version of Photoshop for the iPad

Adobe has finally delivered what many photographers and artists have wanted for years.

The company is releasing a full-featured version of Photoshop that can run on Apple’s iPads. The software, which has been rumored for some time, will be available in 2019. 

Though Adobe has been investing heavily in mobile apps for the last several years, there hasn’t been a full version of Photoshop available for iOS. Instead, there have been lightweight versions like Photoshop Express, or apps that focus on specific Photoshop features, like retouching. 

Photoshop CC for iPad is neither of those. It uses the same code as the desktop software and, most importantly, has all its functionality. 

With the software, you’ll be able to move between your tablet and desktop while working on the same projects. As with other Creative Cloud-enabled apps, your work will sync across devices and you can pick up where you left off on a new device.

The interface will look familiar to regular Photoshop users, though Adobe has made changes to make Photoshop’s maze of menus and toolbars a bit easier to navigate on a touchscreen (something we should all be grateful for).

The idea of a full, touch-enabled version of Photoshop for iOS has been something of a pipe dream for many creative professionals for years. Adobe made a touch version of Photoshop for Windows, but Apple fans haven’t been able to take advantage of this tech because iPads weren’t powerful enough to handle the software until the iPad Pro came along.

Speaking of the iPad, it’s not yet clear which models will be compatible with the new Photoshop CC app. It would make sense for the company to target the more powerful iPad Pro, but Adobe says it’s not announcing compatibility for the software just yet. But a fully functional Photoshop for iPad is undoubtedly a significant milestone for Apple, which is also due to refresh its iPad lineup very soon. So it’s very possible we’ll hear more about Adobe’s plans during Apple’s iPad reveal (the company has previously made appearances during Apple keynotes).