DaVinci Resolve for iPad

Post-production tools for a new generation.

DaVinci Resolve for iPad. (Source: Blackmagic Design)

Da Vinci Resolve, as it was initially called by its developer, da Vinci Systems, was video editing and color grading software released in 2004. Acquired by the industrious Blackmagic Design in 2009, DaVinci Resolve, as it is now called, has undergone many changes and updates under the new ownership. Initially, there were three versions (for DI, VFX, and 2K processing) with dedicated hardware controllers, and each carried a hefty price tag. Then came the new software macOS version to accompany the Linux version, and later followed the Windows version—all with massive reductions in pricing from the original as it broke free from its need for dedicated hardware. More years and versions followed, and now Blackmagic Design has announced that DaVinci Resolve will be available for the iPadOS in Q4 of this year.

DaVinci Resolve for iPad is optimized for the 12.9-inch iPad Pro screen, as well as for multi-touch technology and Apple Pencil. Unlike the desktop application, the iPad app will have only editing and color functions. Nevertheless, it will be compatible with DaVinci Resolve 18 project files and real-time collaboration via Blackmagic Design Cloud. DaVinci Resolve for iPad users can open and create standard DaVinci Resolve project files that are compatible with the desktop version of DaVinci Resolve 18, which was released this past July.

With optimized performance for Apple silicon, DaVinci Resolve delivers 4× faster Ultra HD ProRes render performance on the new iPad Pro with M2, according to Blackmagic Design. HDR is also supported for customers using a 12.9-inch iPad Pro with the M1 chip. Creators can send a clean-feed-grading monitor output to an Apple Studio Display, Pro Display XDR, or an AirPlay-compatible display. This lets customers use the external display to quickly create grades on set or color-correct clips in post-production directly from their iPad.

This new version of DaVinci Resolve is compatible with those running iPadOS 16 or newer.

DaVinci Resolve for iPad will be available in Q4 2022 from the Apple App Store as a free download, with an upgrade to DaVinci Resolve Studio for iPad also available as an in-app purchase. No pricing for the Studio version has been released yet.