Episode Summary
Executive Summary: Scott Belsky explains Adobe’s decision to bring a real, native Photoshop experience to iPad, not as a desktop clone but as a redesigned, cloud-connected system. The interview covers why the timing is right, how the UI was rethought, how cloud PSDs and Creative Cloud enable cross-device workflows, and why Adobe sees creativity as multi-surface rather than desktop-bound.
Main Topics: Why Photoshop on iPad is happening now (Priority: 5/5): Belsky says hardware maturity, Apple partnership, and Adobe’s re-engineered Photoshop codebase finally made a native iPad version practical after years of exploration. Photoshop as a system, not a desktop app (Priority: 5/5): He frames Photoshop as a multi-surface system with one source of truth in the cloud, allowing work to move seamlessly between desktop and iPad. UI redesign and onboarding for new users (Priority: 4/5): The iPad version introduces a modernized interface and a better first-time experience while preserving familiar Photoshop cues for professionals. Cloud PSD and file-system rethink (Priority: 5/5): Adobe’s cloud PSD format stores components and edits in the cloud, reducing dependence on traditional files and enabling round-trip workflows. Creative Cloud subscription as product enabler (Priority: 4/5): Belsky argues the subscription model lets Adobe ship faster, experiment more, and provide cross-device value as part of the subscription. Accessibility, pencil support, and touch workflows (Priority: 3/5): The iPad version is designed for touch and Pencil, but Belsky emphasizes that Pencil is important rather than required. Future expansion to phones, Android, and Surface devices (Priority: 3/5): He expresses interest in bringing Photoshop’s capabilities to other surfaces, while noting the challenge of doing so without compromise.
Key Arguments: Photoshop on iPad was delayed because Adobe wanted a real, native Photoshop engine rather than a proxy or hybrid app. The timing depended on aligned hardware, software, and UI innovations, not just a single device feature. Creativity should not be chained to the desktop; it happens wherever inspiration strikes. The iPad version is a redesign for modern workflows, not merely a desktop port. Cloud PSDs make the document itself a cloud-first manifest of ingredients, edits, and layers, enabling seamless device switching. Traditional file management is an obstacle to multi-surface creative workflows and will need to be abstracted away. The subscription model made it possible to build multi-surface products and deliver them as part of Creative Cloud value. Adobe wants products that are powerful enough for professionals but accessible to everyone through progressive disclosure and improved onboarding. AI should reduce repetitive work and friction, enabling more creativity rather than replacing it. Belsky expects some workflows, like retouching, to become more natural on iPad than on desktop. Adobe is exploring expansion to Android and touch-enabled Windows devices, guided by where creatives actually work.
Data Points: Photoshop codebase age: 25+ years - Belsky says Adobe had to adapt a decades-old Photoshop codebase for iPad. Early exploration start: 2013-2014 - He references the period when Adobe began seriously exploring mobile products and Photoshop-like experiences. Launch timing: Later in 2019 - The iPad Photoshop version shown at Max was scheduled to ship later in 2019. Creative Cloud product examples: Lightroom Classic and Lightroom CC - Used as a comparison for entrenched vs modern cloud-first workflows. Platform breadth: iPad, Android, desktop, Surface, phone - Belsky discusses Photoshop across multiple surfaces and future expansion possibilities. Offline capability: Full workflow with cached recent documents - He says local caching allows users to work without a network connection. File experience: Cloud PSD - Adobe’s new cloud-based document format for Photoshop on iPad and desktop round-tripping. Creative Cloud history: Subscription transition - Belsky argues the subscription model unlocked faster delivery and experimentation.
Pivotal Quotes: "the future of creativity is not bound to the desktop" — Scott Belsky: Summarizing Adobe’s philosophy for multi-surface creative tools and cloud-connected workflows. "the era of the file is over" — Scott Belsky: His argument for moving Photoshop documents away from traditional file-system thinking and into cloud PSDs. "what a computer is this modern day, I think it's what allows us to express ourselves and take action with less friction" — Scott Belsky: His philosophical definition of modern computing during the discussion about creativity and interfaces.
Implications: Adobe is pushing creative software toward cloud-first, device-agnostic workflows. If it works, Photoshop could become less about files and desktops and more about seamless creation anywhere, setting a precedent for other pro apps.
About The Vergecast
The Vergecast is the flagship podcast from The Verge about small gadgets, Big Tech, and everything in between. Every Friday, hosts Nilay Patel and David Pierce hang out and make sense of the week’s most important technology news. And every Tuesday, David leads a selection of The Verge’s expert staffers in an exploration of how gadgets and software affect our lives – and which ones you should bring into yours.