Dear Aunt TUAW: Limiting distribution to faster iPods and iPhones

Dear Aunt TUAW,

I'm an iPhone developer. My applications really need some computing *oomph*. How can I ensure that the app is only distributed on the iPhone 3GS or the iPod 3G or later?

Speaking of which, what exactly is the adoption rate of those newer, faster units? How can I find that out?

Love & Kissies,

Mr. Gando


Read on for Auntie's response...

Darling Gando,

Unfortunately, the iPhone device required capabilities do not provide a minimum CPU speed hook. These items are normally specified in the Info.plist file using the UIRequiredDeviceCapabilities key. Although you can specify that your application needs telephony services, access to a still camera or to GPS, or even peer-to-peer via Bluetooth, you cannot say "needs at least the computing power of a 3rd generation device." And that's a shame.

Hop on over to bugreport.apple.com (you'll need a free online developer account), and add a feature request! My radar number for this is 7302332. As I wrote in that request, applications should have the option of limiting sales, delivery, and installation based on device CPU/RAM performance. It's clear that the 3rd generation iPod and iPhone outperform the 1st (and to a degree, 2nd) generation units.

As for the adoption rates, I recommend you check out some of the iPhone analytics sites. Companies like Pinch Media and AdMob provide both free and paid reports. I don't have a link to a specific list of device-by-device breakdowns but I've read that YouTube Mobile uploads grew by 400% after the iPhone 3GS launch.

Warmly,

Auntie T

P.S. Don't forget to take extra Vitamin C and get your flu shots!