The ability for iPad to run iPhone apps seemed like a boon for developers, but the increased install base doesn't come without some downsides.
In a blog post, the co-founder of paid-discovery platform W3i Rob Weber points out that developers pushing out universal apps are potentially sacrificing a favourable iPad rank because of the way Apple counts downloads for such releases.
In short, if a user buys a universal app on iPhone or iTunes, Apple counts said purchase towards the iPhone ranking only even if the consumer then goes on to install it on an iPad.
Universally speaking
"With a universal app, purchases on the iPhone count for iPhone rankings only, purchases on the iPad count for iPad rankings only, and purchases in the iTunes desktop application count for iPhone rankings only," Weber states.
"Therefore, creating a universal app creates value for the user as they can use the app on both the iPhone and iPad, but as a developer, creates a possible disadvantage since it splits the count in the rankings."
Weber also notes that universal apps, by their very nature, cost the same amount on both formats, meaning its impossible to adjust the price of an iPad game to reflect the cost of native apps on the format.
[source: W3i]
News
With a fine eye for detail, Keith Andrew is fuelled by strong coffee, Kylie Minogue and the shapely curve of a san serif font.
Top Stories
News
May 4th, 2024
PocketGamer.biz Podcast Week in Views E10 - Brawl Stars smashes 2023 revenue, Square Enix’s extraordinary losses, and Haaland signs for Clash of Clans
News
May 3rd, 2024
Week in Views - Apple back themselves bigstyle, Clash bags Haaland and dreams come true at King
Events
LA Games Conference 2024 | North America | May 6th |
Mobidictum Meetup Berlin May 2024 | Europe | May 7th |
Valencia Indie Summit 2024 | Europe | May 16th |
Mobidictum Meetup Tallinn May 2024 | Europe | May 21st |
Israel Mobile Summit 2024 | Middle East | Jun 6th |
WN Conference Istanbul 2024 | Jun 11th | |
DevGAMM Vilnius 2024 | Europe | Jun 14th |
Develop: Brighton 2024 | Europe | Jul 9th |