iPhone Means Big Business For Developers – Of All Sizes

Since the launch of Apple’s App Store in July of 2008, more than 500 million apps have already been downloaded. As of January 2008, the average daily app download rate had surpassed the 5 million mark, up from 2.5 million the month prior. This has created substantial returns for many frenetically coding, garage-dwelling developers. Recently, Lim Ding Wen, a 9 year old boy from Singapore, created an application for the iPhone called Doodle Kids. To date, Wen’s application has garnered 4,000 downloads. Users create pictures by dragging a finger across the screen. Even celebrities are attracted to the iPhone fervor. Ben Stein recently released a game of his own, Ben Stein: It’s Trivial. The game features more than 1,200 trivia questions. uStream’s application announced a download volume of 113,000 in just 24 hours. It is this variety and juxtaposition of small developers to more seasoned players that makes this market trend so compelling.

To provide greater context, Apple’s App Store allows external developers to submit their own proprietary games and applications to this considerable distribution channel. While not all applications/games are accepted, many are finding a place in the app store. To date, the app store houses over 15,000 applications and counting.

There is much that accounts for the popularity of these apps and casual games. Let’s start with the device itself. The iPhone offers a rich user experience that heretofore exceeds that of any competing mobile device. The platform allows for exquisite graphic presentation and dynamic user interaction. The multi-touch user interface as well as the motion sensitive accelerometer make the iPhone a serious gaming platform.

The popularity of these apps is further aided by the functionality of the apps and games themselves. With the expansive capabilities the iPhone provides, users find apps that satisfy any variety of needs and games that are both pleasing to the eye and fun to play. More importantly, the cost point of many of these games and apps is well- more than affordable. Many apps require payment ranging from $0.99 to $5.00, while many others are free. Given the greater economic climate, this is critical to market success. It is safe to assume that many are seeking a reprieve from the rigors of a failing economy and simple, affordable pleasures will likely continue to grow in popularity. With the touch of a digital button, you can get lost in Sudoku for the day.