Profits in iPad Apps

The introduction of the iPad has created a massive market opportunity for application makers. In the wake of the iPhone, the iPad has the benefit of preexisting applications, a large screen resolution and more power. These, however, are also caveats for the iPad developer. A saturated application market coupled with slightly more complex customer demands makes the iPad app market even more cutthroat than developing for the iPhone. If one is to garner success from the venture then one needs to know a few simple guidelines and trends to be ready for success!

Timing is one of the most crucial components of this success recipe. The market is already sodden with iPhone apps that work on the iPad. If you have an original idea for an app, the time to get it out is now. Of course throwing too soon won't be very effective if your app doesn't turn heads.

Baring the perfect market timing, the best thing you can do is make iPad-centric applications that make the most of the hardware. The iPad has a much larger screen than the iPhone with a resolution of 768 pixels by 1024 pixels. The iPad also has more available memory and a better processor than the iPhone or iPod touch. Use this to your advantage, focus on apps take the iPad hardware to the limit.

In order to make iPad-focused apps you also better make sure you're fully familiar with the iPad's capabilities and how to create for them. Here are some iPad-specific features: Split View — the screen is split into two parts with the master view on the right and content o the left. Popovers — liken to a pop-up on a PC or Mac, it's a small fixed screen that pops out and allows the user different options. Custom Keyboard — the iPad allows you to make a custom GUI (Graphic User Interface) for the virtual keyboard. The iPad also has superior file extension support, advanced text processing and gesture recognizers (the latter being shared with the iPhone).

If you're already an iPhone app developer you can greatly increase your existing apps' chances of being purchased by upgrading. Create iPad versions of your applications that can use the hardware to it's fullest and make use of the superior components to add dimension to your applications that clients never thought possible.

While these guidelines are key to app success, there is one that is absolutely essential: Know your market. Research has shown that the largest percentage of iPad users are in the 30-54 demographic and usually those with higher-than-average income. This demographic focuses on business oriented applications that can increase productivity as well as functional tools. The second top choice for applications is gaming and then news. Your bets bet is to examine the top five or six type of applications that fit your target market and research them. Compare and contrast them and then decide what you can create that will give you the edge. What differentiates you from the rest and makes your applications more important? What makes your application marketable?

The rest is essentially up to you. Just remember that all of these guidelines work best in conjunction with each other. If you make an excellent application and market it to the wrong demographic, it's basically useless. If you don't get the timing right, it won't matter how wonderful or well-marketed you app is; the market is being saturated like a salty sponge as we speak. Use your creative talents and intellectual connections to create something special and you're all but guaranteed success!