Maxon Sunsets Forger Sculpting App, Encourages Transition to ZBrush

In a significant shift within the digital sculpting landscape, Maxon, a prominent software company known for its creative tools, announced on July 8, 2025, that it will discontinue support for the Forger sculpting application for iPad. This decision will take effect on September 10, 2025, marking the end of updates and bug fixes for the app, which has been a staple for many digital artists since its inception in 2011. Users are encouraged to transition to the ZBrush for iPad application, which was launched in September 2024, providing a more robust set of features tailored for professional sculpting.

The Forger app, originally created by Javier Edo Meseguer, gained popularity due to its accessibility and functionality on mobile devices during a time when 3D modeling software was limited on tablets. Maxon acquired Forger in 2021, shortly after purchasing Pixologic, the creators of the industry-standard ZBrush software. According to a statement from Maxon, the transition aims to consolidate resources and enhance the sculpting experience specifically for the iPad, leveraging the strengths of both applications.

"We carefully considered this decision. Our goal is to consolidate resources and efforts to enhance the sculpting experience on iPad," said a spokesperson for Maxon. "By merging our teams, we can leverage Forger’s history on iPad and ZBrush’s sculpting capabilities to introduce more features and innovations, particularly with the Apple Pencil and iPad."

Existing users of Forger will still be able to use the app after the support ends, but they are urged to switch to ZBrush for iPad, which offers a broader array of tools and functionality. Subscription licenses for Forger, priced at $14 annually, can be renewed until the support ceases and will remain valid until the end of the subscription term. The ZBrush application, however, is priced significantly higher at $89.99 per year, which may pose a financial barrier for some users.

While users can transfer their data from Forger to ZBrush, there are limitations, particularly regarding file format compatibility. Forger's native file format will not be directly supported in ZBrush, which may complicate the transition for some artists. Additionally, users with older iPads might encounter performance issues with ZBrush, as it is optimized for Apple's M-series silicon chips.

For those seeking a more affordable alternative, Nomad Sculpt has emerged as a viable option. Priced at a one-time fee of $20, it offers a beginner-friendly range of tools that can cater to new or hobbyist sculptors.

The decision to sunset Forger raises questions about the future of mobile 3D sculpting applications and the competitive landscape within the industry. According to Dr. Emily Carter, Assistant Professor of Digital Arts at Stanford University, "This move by Maxon reflects a broader trend of consolidation within the software industry, as companies seek to streamline their offerings and focus on core products that deliver the most value to users."

Maxon's approach may signal a shift toward more comprehensive tools that cater to the evolving needs of digital artists, particularly in mobile environments. As the demand for powerful and accessible digital sculpting solutions continues to grow, the industry will be watching closely to see how this transition unfolds and what innovations will emerge from the enhanced focus on ZBrush for iPad. The implications of this strategy could redefine user experiences and expectations in digital sculpting, potentially influencing future developments across the sector.