As a Roblox developer, it is currently too hard to enjoy high performance testing & gameplay on mobile devices.
The problem
To my knowledge the Roblox app hard-caps all tablets & phones (including mine) at 60 fps regardless of the OS or specification. Nowadays mobile devices are getting more and more powerful allowing for desktop-grade experience, including gaming.
Let’s have a look at my example. I recently got to use the Roblox app on an iPad Pro M5. This high-end tablet features a 120Hz display with ProMotion, which is the Apple’s adaptive, high-refresh-rate display technology. The iOS Roblox app (unlike on macOS) appears to respect it and adjust its refresh rate based on what’s on the screen, unfortunately with the 60 fps cap:
Clip from "Pacifico 2 RP” by UrbanSector
As you might notice I got stable 60 fps on highest graphics despite the screen refresh rate being 120Hz.
Moving forward to the MacBook Pro M5, which also features a nearly identical Apple M5 processor and a 120Hz ProMotion display:
Another clip from "Pacifico 2 RP” by UrbanSector
The game runs at stable 120 fps. Same game, same settings (the graphics appear to be even crispier). Zero issues, including the thermal aspects.
2nd game (same devices, settings & results):
iPad:
Clip from " Zaibatsu
Japan RP” by Mareware
Mac:
Another clip from " Zaibatsu
Japan RP” by Mareware
It might not be a huge surprise but these comparisons apply to pretty much all Apple Silicon (M1+) devices.
Proposed solution
Considering the above, a forced 60 fps cap simply appears to be no longer necessary as the vast majority of modern mobile devices are capable of running Roblox at their native refresh rates.
Therefore I propose bringing the solution originally introduced in 2024 for desktop clients to mobile:
Maximum Frame Rate setting on the desktop client
The mobile clone of this setting could support up to 120 fps (unlike 240 on desktop) and default to 60 fps (like on desktop). Such approach would provide consistent experience across multiple platforms and allow players & developers to utilise the full potential of their devices. I’d highly anticipate it also appearing in Settings > Device preferences so joining a game would not be required to adjust it.
Use Cases & Conclusion
If Roblox is able to address this issue, it would improve my development experience because:
- I’d be able to use the full potential of my mobile devices for better and more seamless game development,
- I’d be able to test different frame-rates without a computer,
- I’d be able to deal with potential bugs related to higher frame-rates on go,
- I could potentially attract more mobile players into my game with a well-implemented high fps support.