iPad Generates 2.4 Times the Revenue per Download Compared to iPhone
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App analytic site App Annie recently released some interesting statistical information about Apple’s App Store. Did you know that an app in Norway earns more per download than any other?
That’s a surprising fact, but I wasn’t at all shocked by one of the report’s other statistics: The iPad generates 2.4 times more revenue per download than the iPhone does. Well, obviously. Those HD versions of all our favorite games come with a hefty premium. The iPhone version of Fruit Ninja may sell for $0.99, but the iPad version brings in $2.99.
No wonder there are still developers out there reluctant to release universal versions of their games. The iPad is a cash cow, but is it fair that we pay 2.4 times more for our iPad apps, just because it has 2.1 times the number of pixels? Maybe that’ll be an easier number to swallow when the iPad 3 comes out.
iPad revenue currently accounts for 30 percent of the overall iOS revenue, and downloads on the iPad grew approximately 200 percent in 2011 (compared to 70 percent for the iPhone), and is expected to grow even further in 2012 with the release of Apple’s next generation tablet.
And, as usual, in-app purchases have been continuing to increase in popularity, and revenue has skyrocketed. In January of 2011, freemium apps with in-app purchases were averaging the same amount of revenue as those without in-app purchases, but as of December 2011, apps with in-app purchases earn approximately 2.2 times as much money. Meaning a great game will earn more revenue if it is freemium rather than premium.
This is a trend that leaves a bad taste in my mouth. I’d rather pay up front to unlock content for a great game, rather than fork over cash when my dragon needs extra food or my crops wither. That said, I’ve got no problem purchasing additional content in the form of level packs or similar inclusions, but developers are going to go where the money is. Expect to see even more freemium games in 2012.
P.S. Check out this amazing infographic from the company.
