Snippet: What to Expect From Marzipan ☇

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).