Creative professionals today need tools that can keep up with a flexible, mobile lifestyle. Whether you're building game worlds, designing environments, or working on cinematic content, you're no longer limited to a fixed workstation. The iPad, once seen as a companion device, is now powerful enough to support meaningful parts of the development workflow.

Unreal Engine is one of the most advanced and widely used platforms in game development and real-time 3D creation. While it doesn't have a native app for iPadOS, that doesn’t mean you can’t use it on your iPad. In fact, with the right setup, you can run the full Unreal Engine editor from your iPad and tap into the same creative power you would on a high-performance desktop.

If you're just starting out or want to get a broader overview of what Unreal Engine offers, check out this complete guide to Unreal Engine to ground yourself in the platform’s capabilities.

In this guide, we’ll walk through several ways to make that possible. We’ll explore cloud-based solutions like Vagon that let you run Unreal Engine on a powerful virtual machine, remote desktop options that extend your local computer to your iPad, and tools that turn your iPad into a companion controller for Unreal Engine running elsewhere.

This article is for developers, designers, and digital artists who want to take their Unreal Engine workflow beyond the desk. Whether you're working from a hotel, your living room, or anywhere in between, we’ll show you how to bring Unreal Engine with you using the device you already have.

Understanding the Challenges of Running Unreal Engine on iPad

Before jumping into the how, it's important to understand the why. Unreal Engine is a powerful development environment built for high-performance desktop systems. It offers real-time rendering, cinematic tools, complex physics, and advanced visual scripting, all of which require significant processing power and memory. That’s where the first major challenge comes in.

There is currently no native version of Unreal Engine available for iPadOS. Unlike some creative apps that offer mobile-optimized versions, Unreal Engine was built with desktop operating systems in mind. This means you cannot install or run the editor directly on your iPad, even on the most recent and powerful iPad Pro models.

The second challenge is hardware. iPads have come a long way in performance, especially with the introduction of Apple Silicon chips like the M1 and M2. However, Unreal Engine's full editor is demanding. It relies heavily on GPU acceleration, multitasking capabilities, and large amounts of RAM, all of which exceed the typical limits of tablet devices. While an iPad is more than capable for many creative tasks, it is not designed to handle full-scale development environments like Unreal Engine natively.

Still, that doesn’t mean you're out of options. Thanks to advancements in cloud computing and remote access tools, it's now possible to run Unreal Engine on a powerful external system and access it from your iPad. Services like Vagon allow you to spin up high-spec cloud computers where Unreal Engine runs smoothly, and you interact with it from your iPad through a browser. Another option is using your iPad as a companion device, for example, as a virtual camera or remote controller using tools like Unreal Remote 2.

By understanding these limitations and workarounds, you can set realistic expectations and choose the method that best fits your workflow. The key takeaway here is that while the iPad can’t run Unreal Engine locally, it can still be a powerful part of your development toolkit with the right setup.

Method 1: Running Unreal Engine on iPad via Vagon

If you’ve ever dreamed of using the full Unreal Engine editor on your iPad, without cutting corners or compromising performance, cloud computing makes that possible. Vagon, a cloud computer platform designed specifically for creative professionals, lets you run Unreal Engine on a powerful remote desktop and control it directly from your iPad.

It’s not a simplified mobile app. It’s the full version of Unreal Engine running on a high-performance machine in the cloud, streamed seamlessly to your iPad. Whether you're editing environments, working with complex blueprints, or testing cinematic lighting, everything feels responsive and powerful.

What is Vagon?

Vagon is a high-performance cloud computer platform made for creators, developers, and anyone who needs more power than a typical laptop or tablet can offer. It gives you instant access to remote machines equipped with professional-grade hardware like RTX-enabled NVIDIA GPUs, multi-core CPUs, and plenty of RAM.

Rather than upgrading your local device or investing in a new workstation, you can spin up a cloud computer in minutes, prepped to handle heavy tasks like real-time rendering, large-scale 3D environments, and cinematic production inside Unreal Engine.

Your iPad acts as a remote controller, accessing the desktop environment through your browser. Everything you do—clicks, camera moves, asset placement—happens in real time. And because the Unreal Engine editor runs on the remote machine, your iPad never struggles with performance or compatibility.

How to Set Up Unreal Engine with Vagon

Getting started with Vagon is simple, even if you’ve never used a cloud computer before. Here’s a quick walkthrough:

1. Go to Vagon dashboard and create your account.

2. Choose your machine specs. Vagon lets you select from different performance tiers depending on your workload. If you’re planning to work with high-fidelity graphics, scenes with Lumen or Nanite, or complex materials, go for a setup with an RTX-enabled GPU and more memory.

3. Launch your cloud computer. Within minutes, you’ll have a virtual Windows desktop ready to go.

4. Install Unreal Engine, just like you would on a local PC. You can also install plugins, software libraries, or anything else your workflow requires.

Vagon also offers persistent storage, so you can save projects in the cloud and return to them later. No file syncing or complicated transfers needed.

How to Use Unreal Engine on iPad with Vagon

Once your cloud computer is configured, using it on your iPad is effortless:

• Open Safari or Chrome on your iPad.

• Log into your Vagon account and launch your cloud computer.

• Your desktop will appear right in the browser window. From there, open Unreal Engine and get to work.

You’re now inside the full Unreal Engine editor, using your iPad to control it remotely. You can zoom, pan, sculpt, blueprint, animate, and render, all without touching a traditional computer.

Once your cloud machine is running, you can jump straight into building with high-quality tools, these best Unreal Engine assets can help you prototype environments faster.

To get the best experience, we recommend using a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse or trackpad alongside your iPad. Touch controls work for simple navigation, and Apple Pencil support gives you precise control for camera movement or UI interaction, but Unreal Engine is still best suited to pointer-based input.

One of the biggest advantages here is workflow continuity. You can start a project on your desktop or laptop, then pick it up on your iPad whenever you're away from your desk. Your session stays active, and everything looks and behaves exactly the same.

Why Vagon is a Game Changer for Unreal Engine Users

Vagon doesn’t just make Unreal Engine accessible from your iPad. It makes it portable, scalable, and accessible from anywhere. Here’s why that matters:

• No need to own powerful hardware. Your iPad becomes your access point to an RTX-powered development machine.

• Work from anywhere. Home, office, train, hotel—your project is always within reach.

• High performance without noise or heat. Since all the computing happens remotely, your iPad stays cool and quiet.

• Instant upgrades. Need more power for a heavier scene? Scale up your cloud machine in one click.

• File flexibility. Store, access, and export projects directly from the cloud. No flash drives or syncing headaches.

• Device switching. Start on your laptop, continue on your iPad, finish on your desktop. Your workspace stays consistent.

Using Vagon with your iPad is surprisingly natural. The visuals are sharp, the input is responsive, and the performance feels like you’re working on a local desktop. You can work on detailed materials, complex environments, and animation timelines without dealing with lag or delay, as long as you have a stable internet connection.

If you're curious about how Unreal performs in the cloud beyond iPad workflows, this deep dive into using Unreal Engine on a cloud computer covers the experience from setup to rendering.

You’re not limited to testing or reviewing projects. You can actually build them. This is not just a workaround, it’s a real, professional solution for creators who want the freedom to work from anywhere without giving up the full Unreal Engine experience.

If you’ve been waiting for a way to bring Unreal Engine into a truly mobile workflow, this is it. Your iPad, powered by Vagon, becomes a serious creative workstation.

Method 2: Remote Desktop Solutions

If you already have a powerful desktop or laptop with Unreal Engine installed, using your iPad as a remote display is a great way to extend your workspace or work from another room. With remote desktop and screen mirroring tools, you can access and control your existing Unreal Engine setup from your iPad without installing anything directly on the tablet.

This method doesn’t run Unreal Engine on the iPad itself. Instead, it mirrors your desktop screen, letting you view and control the editor from your iPad in real time. It’s a practical option for quick edits, scene reviews, or working comfortably away from your main desk.

Mirroring with Mac or PC

There are several tools available for screen mirroring or remote access, depending on your setup.

• Sidecar (macOS and iPadOS): If you're using a Mac and an iPad, Sidecar is a built-in solution that turns your iPad into a second display. You can drag the Unreal Engine window to your iPad and interact with it using Apple Pencil or touch input. It works over Wi-Fi or with a USB-C cable and requires both devices to use the same Apple ID.

• Duet Display: Available for both macOS and Windows, Duet Display allows you to use your iPad as a second screen or even mirror your desktop. It supports touch and Apple Pencil and works well for general navigation and light editing.

• Third-party remote desktop apps: Tools like Splashtop, AnyDesk, or Chrome Remote Desktop allow full control of your desktop environment from your iPad. These apps stream your desktop display and let you interact with it remotely, with varying levels of latency and control.

What You Need?

To make remote desktop solutions work effectively, you’ll need a few things in place:

• A Mac or PC with Unreal Engine installed and configured.

• An iPad with enough screen space for comfortable interaction. Ideally, a newer iPad Pro or Air.

• A fast and stable internet connection, especially for remote desktop apps that stream content over the network.

• External input accessories, like a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse, if you want more precise control. While touch and Apple Pencil can help, Unreal Engine’s interface is optimized for pointer input.

Pros and Cons of This Approach

One of the biggest advantages of using a remote desktop or mirroring solution is that it allows you to make use of the powerful hardware you already own. If you have a capable desktop or laptop with Unreal Engine installed, this method requires no additional investment. Setup is quick and simple, especially with built-in tools like Sidecar for Mac users or lightweight apps like Duet Display. It’s perfect for short work sessions, reviewing scenes, adjusting camera angles, or testing gameplay mechanics when you’re away from your main desk. Many creators also use it to turn their iPad into a secondary screen, giving them extra workspace while keeping their primary display focused on the main editor.

However, this method does have its limitations. Since all the processing is still done on your main computer, you remain dependent on that system being powered on and nearby. This reduces portability, as you can’t take your iPad and continue working if your desktop isn’t accessible. Network performance also plays a big role—latency, resolution drops, or input lag can become noticeable during intensive tasks like live rendering or editing large scenes. Additionally, Unreal Engine is heavily optimized for mouse and keyboard input, so touch controls and Apple Pencil support, while helpful, may not fully replace the precision you’re used to.

In short, remote desktop tools offer a convenient way to bring Unreal Engine to your iPad, especially for light interaction or secondary display use. But for full development freedom and long sessions, cloud computing solutions like Vagon provide a more complete and high-performance alternative.

Method 3: Using the Companion Device Method

If you're not looking to run the full Unreal Engine editor on your iPad, but still want to make it a meaningful part of your development workflow, the companion device method is a powerful option. Instead of turning your iPad into a remote desktop or cloud client, this approach uses it as a tool that works alongside your main machine. With apps like Unreal Remote 2, you can control, monitor, and even shoot virtual camera footage directly from your iPad—perfect for real-time projects, film production, and interactive design.

Those new to virtual production workflows or Unreal’s broader ecosystem can benefit from structured learning, top Unreal Engine courses and classes can speed up your adaptation and deepen your skills.

What is the Companion Device Method?

The companion device method turns your iPad into an extension of your Unreal Engine workspace. Rather than acting as a replacement for your computer, your iPad becomes a controller, monitor, or creative input device. This is ideal for specific tasks like virtual cinematography, touch-based navigation, or mobile previews during development.

Epic Games' Unreal Remote 2 app is one of the most popular tools for this. It allows your iPad to connect to Unreal Engine running on your PC or Mac and control in-engine cameras in real time. It's especially useful for virtual production, where directors or animators can move through a scene using handheld input, simulating physical camera movements in a virtual space.

Setup Process for Unreal Remote 2

Getting started with this method is quick and doesn’t require much configuration:

1. Download Unreal Remote 2 from the App Store on your iPad.

2. On your main computer, make sure Unreal Engine is installed and running a project that supports virtual camera or remote session features.

3. Both your iPad and your computer must be connected to the same local network (Wi-Fi or Ethernet).

4. Inside Unreal Engine, enable the Live Link plugin and set up your project for remote camera input.

5. Launch Unreal Remote 2 on your iPad, and select the available Unreal Engine session from the device list.

Once connected, your iPad becomes an interactive camera or control surface, depending on how the session is configured.

Use Cases for Unreal Remote 2

This method is perfect for creative tasks that benefit from motion, touch, or handheld interaction. For example, filmmakers using Unreal Engine for virtual production can use the iPad as a virtual camera, moving it through physical space to capture real-time cinematic shots. Designers and animators can use it to navigate environments or adjust assets from a more natural, touch-based interface.

You can also use your iPad to review scenes from different angles, adjust lighting on the fly, or preview how a player might experience the game from a mobile perspective. It’s especially helpful during collaborative sessions or live demos, where quick, visual feedback is needed.

Benefits of Unreal Remote 2

The biggest advantage of the companion device method is its simplicity and flexibility. You don’t need a high-performance cloud setup or a remote desktop app. All you need is your iPad, your main development machine, and a shared network. It enhances your workflow without replacing your existing tools.

It also offers a more natural, intuitive way to interact with your project. Holding the iPad like a camera, rotating it in real space, or tapping directly into your scene makes certain creative tasks faster and more immersive.

While this approach doesn’t let you run the full editor, it adds a layer of mobility and interaction that is hard to match. For teams working in virtual production, architectural visualization, or game design, using the iPad as a companion device can speed up iteration and bring a more hands-on element to your creative process.

Looking for inspiration? These top games made with Unreal Engine show what’s possible even with remote workflows and mobile tools.

Optimizing Your Workflow on iPad

Whether you are using a cloud platform like Vagon, a remote desktop setup, or the iPad as a companion device, optimizing your workflow is key to getting the best experience. Unreal Engine is a powerful tool, and while it was designed for desktop environments, with the right adjustments and accessories, you can enjoy a smooth and effective creative process on your iPad.

Input Devices for Better Control

To replicate a desktop-like experience on your iPad, external accessories can make a major difference. Unreal Engine relies heavily on precision, multitasking, and keyboard shortcuts, so using the iPad alone with touch input may limit your speed and control.

Start with a Bluetooth keyboard. This allows you to take advantage of Unreal Engine’s extensive shortcut system, making navigation and editing much faster. If you are using an iPad Pro or iPad Air, consider pairing it with a keyboard case for portability and convenience.

Next, add a Bluetooth mouse or trackpad. This gives you full control over object placement, viewport navigation, and menu selections. While touch gestures can be used for basic navigation, a mouse or trackpad delivers the accuracy needed for detailed work.

If you are using Unreal Engine as a virtual camera or controller through your iPad, the Apple Pencil can be a great addition. It provides smooth, precise input for movement, camera control, or any task that benefits from pressure-sensitive interaction.

Performance Tips for a Smooth Experience

When using Unreal Engine on an iPad through cloud computing or remote access, your network connection is the foundation of performance. A fast, stable internet connection is essential. If possible, connect to a 5 GHz Wi-Fi network or use Ethernet with an adapter.

Inside Unreal Engine, you can improve responsiveness by adjusting some of the editor settings. Reduce the resolution of the viewport, disable real-time lighting or shadows during editing, and simplify post-processing effects. These small tweaks can make a noticeable difference when working in a streamed environment.

It also helps to limit other activity on your iPad while connected to your cloud or desktop session. Close background apps, switch to full-screen mode in your browser, and ensure no unnecessary services are using bandwidth during your session.

New users often run into common hurdles during setup, here’s a list of top mistakes Unreal Engine beginners make so you can sidestep them early on.

File Management Tips

When your development setup includes the cloud, it is important to organize your file system in a way that keeps everything accessible. With Vagon, your cloud computer includes integrated storage where you can keep your Unreal projects, assets, and backups. This storage is available every time you log in and helps you stay productive from any location.

For additional flexibility, link your cloud computer to platforms like Google Drive or Dropbox. This makes it easy to transfer files between devices or collaborate with team members. You can upload models, textures, and builds, or export final projects directly to your preferred storage service.

Make it a habit to save frequently and keep backup versions of your work. Whether you are using the iPad as a full workstation or just reviewing projects remotely, consistent file organization will save time and reduce risk.

With the right tools and setup, working with Unreal Engine on an iPad becomes a practical and professional experience. These small adjustments can go a long way in helping you stay efficient, focused, and ready to create from anywhere.

From rendering hiccups to asset syncing issues, this list of common Unreal Engine problems and solutions is a great reference when things don’t go as planned.

Alternative Solutions for iPad Users

If you're looking to create 3D content directly on your iPad without using remote access or cloud computing, there are several native apps available that offer simplified workflows. These apps are designed specifically for touch-based devices and can be incredibly useful for quick modeling, sculpting, or concept development.

Shapr3D is a powerful CAD-focused modeling app that runs natively on iPad. It’s perfect for industrial design, product modeling, and engineering tasks. With Apple Pencil support and a clean interface, it’s an excellent choice for precision modeling, though it is more suitable for CAD work than game development.

Nomad Sculpt is another popular choice for artists who want to sculpt 3D models using their iPad. Its interface is intuitive and optimized for touch, making it great for character sculpting, organic modeling, or blocking out ideas quickly. For those coming from a ZBrush background, Nomad offers a surprisingly capable mobile alternative.

Other notable tools include uMake, a 3D sketching app, and Forger, a mobile sculpting app with features tailored for concept art and lightweight asset creation. These tools are ideal for exploration and creativity on the go.

However, while these apps are impressive, they are not direct replacements for Unreal Engine. They lack many of the advanced features required for game development, real-time rendering, or cinematic production. There’s no blueprint system, level sequencing, or integrated asset management. That’s where cloud computing solutions like Vagon stand out—allowing you to access the full Unreal Engine editor from your iPad without losing access to professional-grade tools.

For quick sketching or modeling, native apps are useful. But for building complete game worlds or interactive experiences, accessing Unreal Engine through cloud or companion setups is the better choice for professionals who need more power and control.

Conclusion

While Unreal Engine isn’t available natively on iPad, there are now powerful ways to bring it into your mobile workflow. Whether you're using cloud computing with Vagon, a remote desktop setup, or turning your iPad into a companion device, each method offers flexibility for different needs.

For the most seamless and high-performance experience, Vagon stands out. It lets you run the full Unreal Engine editor on a cloud computer and access it from your iPad with zero local limitations.

Many of the top Unreal Engine game development companies already rely on flexible workflows, remote access and cloud solutions are becoming standard across the industry.

If you’re ready to take your Unreal Engine projects beyond the desk, give one of these methods a try. Explore what fits your workflow best and start creating wherever you are.

Ready to dive deeper into specific features? These curated Unreal Engine tutorials can help you master workflows whether you’re at your desk or on your iPad.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can you use Unreal Engine on a tablet?
You can use a tablet like an iPad to interact with Unreal Engine via cloud or remote access. While the software doesn’t install on the tablet, it’s fully controllable when accessed through a remote desktop or browser.

2. Can you use Unreal Engine on Apple devices?
Yes, Unreal Engine is compatible with macOS for development and with iOS for game output. Although iPads can’t run the editor natively, Apple devices can connect to Unreal Engine workflows through companion tools or cloud platforms.

3. Can I run Unreal Engine on iPad?
No, you can’t run Unreal Engine natively on iPadOS. However, using cloud services like Vagon or remote desktop tools, you can access and control the full Unreal Engine editor from your iPad in real time.

4. Is Unreal Engine compatible with iOS?
Yes, Unreal Engine supports building and deploying games for iOS devices, including iPhone and iPad. But the Unreal Editor itself doesn't run directly on iOS or iPadOS.

5. How do I use Unreal Engine on iPad with cloud computing?
With a cloud PC provider like Vagon, you can launch Unreal Engine on a high-performance remote desktop and access it via Safari or Chrome on your iPad. It’s seamless and doesn’t require local installation.

6. What’s the best way to run Unreal Engine on iPad for professionals?
For professional results, cloud computing is the best option. Platforms like Vagon offer RTX-enabled GPUs, large memory, and fast storage that let you build, render, and animate in real time from your iPad.

7. Which iPad models are best for Unreal Engine workflows?
iPad Pro and iPad Air models with Apple Silicon (M1 or M2 chips) offer the best performance for cloud or remote workflows. They pair well with Bluetooth keyboards, mice, and Apple Pencil for precision work.

8. Is Unreal Engine on iPad good for game development?
Yes—when accessed via cloud computing or remote desktop, Unreal Engine can be used for real game development on an iPad. While the tablet acts as an interface, the heavy lifting happens remotely.

9. What accessories improve Unreal Engine performance on iPad?
A Bluetooth keyboard and mouse or trackpad help replicate a desktop-like experience. An Apple Pencil is also useful for camera control or UI interaction within the editor.

10. What’s the difference between using a cloud PC vs remote desktop for Unreal Engine on iPad?
A cloud PC like Vagon runs Unreal Engine on high-powered servers and is accessible from anywhere. Remote desktop setups rely on your local computer being on and nearby. Cloud computing offers greater mobility and performance.