Confused about iPhone and/or iPad compatible apps

[aluren]

In iTunes, I noticed two categories of apps:

"iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad Apps"
"iPhone and iPod touch Apps"

So that's what I don't get. Is it that the iPad can only run the first category of apps or is that category just "optimized" for the iPad in terms of pixels/resolution? I'm confused because I've seen HD apps (mainly games) for the iPad only...

 

[LSUtigers03]

In iTunes, I noticed two categories of apps:

"iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad Apps"
"iPhone and iPod touch Apps"

So that's what I don't get. Is it that the iPad can only run the first category of apps or is that category just "optimized" for the iPad in terms of pixels/resolution? I'm confused because I've seen HD apps (mainly games) for the iPad only...

The iPad can run any of the apps in the app store even if it's an iPhone or iPod Touch app with the exception of a few. iPhones and iPod Touches can't run iPad apps because the iPad apps require OS 3.2. Some iPhone/iPod Touch apps are updated and made to work on the iPad without having to use the 2x feature of the iPad and some devs just create an iPad only version of their apps. For the most part the iPad only versions of iPhone apps are much more expensive than the original iphone app but most have new features that take advantage of the larger screen.

 

[BaldiMac]

"iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad Apps" are universal apps with iPad and iPhone versions bundled in one app.

"iPhone and iPod touch Apps" can be run on the iPad, but are not designed for the iPad.

Presumeably, there would also be a third category of "iPad Apps" that can only be run on the iPad.

 

[MacToddB]

"iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad Apps" are universal apps with iPad and iPhone versions bundled in one app.

"iPhone and iPod touch Apps" can be run on the iPad, but are not designed for the iPad.

Presumeably, there would also be a third category of "iPad Apps" that can only be run on the iPad.

Yes, I have some apps that are iPad only, just so I could get them out at announcement. Universal support has been added and awaiting Apple's approval.

Technically, apps that REQUIRE an iPhone are NOT compatible with the iPad. Apple basically took any app that was compatible with an iPod touch (latest gen, I believe) and blessed it as iPad compatible (in 1x/2x mode). So there are still plenty of apps that will not run on the iPad (typically because they require a camera).

 

[aluren]

I see. Thanks for the replies. So whenever I update an app and it says something like "Now iPad Compatible", the developer basically just made their app look better on the iPad... There's nothing "new" about it right?

 

[Julien]

I see. Thanks for the replies. So whenever I update an app and it says something like "Now iPad Compatible", the developer basically just made their app look better on the iPad... There's nothing "new" about it right?

Not necessarily, the iPhone and iPad Apps are just bundled together in one download package/price but they are usually quite different in looks (features and function may or may not be the same (iPad may have extra or enhanced features not found in the iPhone App)). The iPad part of the App is specific for the iPad.

 

[Niiro13]

I see. Thanks for the replies. So whenever I update an app and it says something like "Now iPad Compatible", the developer basically just made their app look better on the iPad... There's nothing "new" about it right?

Not necessarily. They could have added features. Of course if they're using that wording then most likely it just looks better.

Anyway, when they say all three, it just means that an iPad version is bundled with the iPhone and iPod touches. So you don't have to re-buy or re-download incase you wanted to run it on an iPhone or iPad.

 

[iCAR]

Chopper

To my surprise, my old favorite "chopper" game is made for the iPad also and not an upscale version. I wish all my apps were like this.