Snippet: What to Expect From Marzipan ☇

Shared on May 9, 2019

The Iconfactory’s Craig Hockenberry examines the interface and usability differences with bringing iOS apps over to the Mac and what this means for Apple developers as a whole:

It’s my opinion that Universal apps were the worst thing to ever happen for the iPad ecosystem. There’s no way for a developer to recoup the costs for new interactions and the extra work needed for more sophisticated apps. Apple makes it easier for a customer up front by offering a single download, but at the same time they make things worse because a Universal version of the user’s favorite app isn’t financially viable. Apple no longer has customers who pay directly for their software, so this aspect of third-party products may be a blind spot for the company.

My biggest fear for Marzipan is that Mac apps become a part of a universal download. Nothing could kill my enthusiasm for the project more quickly.

While the tone of the piece is mostly neutral-to-positive on the possibilities, the concern is worthwhile, especially as we’ve seen it before. Personally, I’m more than happy to pay for quality apps that I use regularly (regardless of platform), but I also recognize that many people don’t. As frustrating as it was when a developer didn’t make a Universal app and let the iPad version languish, having separate versions for sale for iPhone, iPad, and/or Mac could still work, provided they were updated in a similar timeframe (Reeder would be a good example of this, although obviously not utilizing Marzipan).

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