iPad Mini: Tipping The Monetization Scale For Developers

By Amy Vale

Over the last several weeks, everyone has been talking about Apple’s debut of the iPad Mini. It has a somewhat smaller screen size (7.9 inches, to be exact); it’s priced lower than the older versions of the iPad; it’s equipped with a new and improved 5-megapixel camera. But will this new tablet be seen as an opportunity or challenge to app developers? Here are 3 reasons the iPad Mini will tip the monetization scale for developers (in a good way).

Play nice with old apps

The in-app experience on the iPad Mini will be the same as on the older and bigger versions of the iPad. In fact, it’s capable of running 275,000 iPad apps. That’s good news for app developers who may not have the resources or budgets to redesign or rescale their existing iPad apps to fit the lighter, thinner and smaller version. Plus, since the iPad Mini has the same aspect ratio as the bigger iPads, apps designed for the iPad Mini’s 7.9-inch screen will translate well to the larger 10-inch screen of the iPad.

Up the ante for tablet gaming

Some are calling the iPad Mini a gaming “game-changer” for the simple fact that the device’s lighter, thinner and smaller specs allow users to hold it comfortably in one hand. As a result, it’s been touted as an alternative controller or console for iOS games.

Mintel has found that sales in the mobile phone and tablet gaming market in the U.S. more than doubled between 2005 and 2010—reaching $898 million—and sales are forecasted to increase 82%, to $1.6 billion, by 2015. Smartphone sales in the U.S. increased a massive 538%—from 11.3 million units to 72 million units—between 2006 and 2011. What’s more is that U.S. tablet sales are forecast to more than triple between 2010 and 2015, from 10.3 million units to 44 million units. So what does this mean for gaming developers looking to monetize with ads on the iPad? For gaming developers looking to monetize effectively and consistently, the route to monetization will be just as clear, if not better, via in-app ads and in-app purchases.

Enhance user experience

Tablets are often referred to as “lean back” devices. Its users rely on the devices to read e-books/news, watch videos, play games, use utility apps, listen to music and perform a host of other activities (aside from making calls/talking). Understand what types of tablet users are likely to use a specific app on the iPad Mini, where they’re using it, when they’re using it and for what purpose. If your app has a strong design, easy-to-use interface and isn’t cluttered with an excessive number of calls-to-action, you’ll be one step closer to monetization.