iPhone/iPad app confusion.

There are three types of apps that work on the iPad: iPad apps, iPhone apps and iPhone/iPad apps. They're all available exclusively at the App Store. So what's the difference? For the most part all these apps run fine. It's in the graphic interface where things get confusing.


iPad apps.
These are apps that have been written or modified exclusively for the iPad and won't run on an iPhone. They take full advantage of the iPad's larger screen interface. Almost all switch orientation when you turn the screen. Many apps for iPhone now have iPad versions that often offer new features. If you already own the iPhone version you'll still have to buy the iPad version. They will not install on the iPhone.


iPhone apps.
These are standard iPhone apps that run on your iPad. They can't really take advantage of the more precise iPad screen control. You have the choice of running them at native resolution or 2x, where every pixel is magnified by 4.


If you already own these apps, you don't have to buy them again. Just install them through the App Store or iTunes. When you download them through the app store it will appear you're buying them, but later you get a box telling you they're free. Note that the apps maintain separate data on the different devices, so can't usually sync the same data to both and iPad and an iPhone.


iPhone/iPad apps.
These have two interfaces, one for the iPhone and one for the iPad. You can run them on both your iPhone and iPad at the same time. Note that the apps maintain separate data on the different devices. If you have already paid for the iPhone version and it's updated to an iPhone/iPad version, mostly likely you won't have to buy it again. Just install it on your iPad.




These apps are noted by a plus sign in the corner of the price tag.


Caveat empty.
Unfortunately iPhone apps don't all work with iPad. They're supposed to, but that's not the case. I have noticed this with Tanzaku, Hindenberg and iPodcastudio. They have some severe issues with graphics. Tanzaku is an app that captures images of your written words and assembles them into a note. The function is fine, but the images are illegible. Both Hindenberg and iPodcastudio have issues displaying the visual audio timeline, making their core functions of audio editing difficult. iPodcastudio even loses some buttons making function impossible.

Most apps do work fine. It's just worth noting that there might be some frustration when you add some of your current iPhone apps to your iPad.