same app, different versions for iPad and iPhone?

Question

same app, different versions for iPad and iPhone?

It is my understanding that some apps have device-specific versions for iPad and iPhone. I have had an iPhone for a year, got an iPad last week. Both have been synched to the same iTunes account, and most apps are showing up on the iPad as the smaller, iPhone version. Two questions: how do I know whether an iPad-specific app is even available, and how do I ensure the iPad version is synched to my iPad instead of the iPhone version?

MBP 15", 2 GHz Intel Core Duo, 2 GB RAM, Mac OS X (10.5.2)

Posted on Oct 5, 2010 12:42 PM

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Answer 1

Oct 5, 2010 1:28 PM in response to celliott147

What is confusing is that there are multiple versions of the app under the various categories in the app store (I tested downloading a freebie that appeared in both iPhone/Touch and iPad categories), but it turned out, apparently, to be the same app. I guess its not such a big deal now, but I'd like the process to be automatic as future iPad-specific versions turn up in the app store, rather than having to chase them down individually.

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Answer 2

Kappy

Level 10

362,017 points

Oct 5, 2010 12:52 PM in response to Darryl Ohlenbusch1

Use iTunes to search for apps that have been upgraded for use on the iPad. Apps that are "universal" have been designed to run properly on either platform.

Older iPhone/Pod only apps, however, may run on the iPad but will look the same as when they run on the iPhone/Pod - smaller.

You can have two apps - one for the iPhone and one for the iPad, but they will have two different names. You simply check which one you want for the platform you are syncing. Thus, you have two different app profiles dependent upon the device name you assign to each.

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Answer 3

celliott147

Level 6

12,600 points

Oct 5, 2010 1:05 PM in response to Darryl Ohlenbusch1

In iTunes, you will see 3 sections on the apps pane: iPod Touch, iPhone and iPad apps; iPod Touch and iPhone apps; and iPad apps. The apps listed in the iPod Touch, iPhone, and iPad apps section are universal and will automatically use the iPad version on your iPad, and the iPhone version on your iPhone/iPod Touch... If an app has separate versions, search from the App Store app on the iPad and it will display the iPad version under iPad apps, and the iPhone version under iPhone apps. To control which apps do and don't sync, use the check marks when your iPad is connected, just like you do with your iPhone...

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Answer 4

Kappy

Level 10

362,017 points

Oct 5, 2010 2:09 PM in response to Darryl Ohlenbusch1

All apps are identified with respect to platform. In iTunes/Apps you will find them in three separate divisions. In the store they are similarly identified in some area either by name or description. For example, appname is for the iPhone/Pod family, while appname HD is for the iPad or is universal.

If you have an app you purchased for your iPhone then you can check if the iPad or universal version is available as an upgrade or free download.

However, the iTunes Store isn't going to give you any notification regarding new or different versions of an app you already have. That's your responsibility.

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Answer 5

celliott147

Level 6

12,600 points

Oct 5, 2010 4:06 PM in response to Darryl Ohlenbusch1

Try searching for apps on appshopper.com rather then through iTunes. They clearly mark if it is universal, iPad only, or no note means iPhone but can be run in 2x mode on the iPad...

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