iOS install sizes and iPad Retina graphics

[Andrew Varner]

I've noticed that the recent inclusion of iPad Retina graphics in app updates is dramatically increasing the size of the install. For instance on my iPhone 4, Carcassonne was roughly 178 MB before the "new iPad Retina support!" update and now the install is around 358 MB. Obviously this does nothing for the iPhone except take up space.

I'm just now getting into iOS development. Is it possible for a developer to have a universal application, then after install, delete assets that the current OS doesn't need? As in, after the iPhone app runs, check the OS and then delete the iPad Retina graphics?

Thanks,

Andrew

[Cody Garvin]

As far as I know, what is in the bundle, is in the bundle.

One thing that you may be able to try, is download the specific assets to your Documents directory after installation / launch. 

- Cody

[John Poole]

On Apr 10, 2012, at 7:27 AM, Andrew Varner wrote:

> I'm just now getting into iOS development. Is it possible for a developer to have a universal application, then after install, delete assets that the current OS doesn't need? As in, after the iPhone app runs, check the OS and then delete the iPad Retina graphics?

As Cody mentioned, there's no way to modify bundles on the device.

Don't worry about your application size. While we, as developers, tend to obsess over things like application size, most users don't care how large (or small) your application is. The time you spend trying to shrink your application is time you could have spent fixing bugs or adding features that your users actually care about.

The only exception is when it comes to the OTA download limit. If you're close to the limit (which is currently 50MB) spend some time trying to reduce the size of your application.

Best,
John

[Andrew Varner]

Thanks for your thoughts, John.

I get where you're coming from as a developer. However, I'm a user
too. And I know that I've installed five or six "iPad Retina graphics
only" updates personally that have increased the install in size by
30-45%. I know an app going from 22 MB to 36 MB probably isn't going
to be noticed until you're doing a compare before and after, but if
you're on your last 150 MB and it's gone for no reason you'd probably
notice.

I personally think that this needs to be addressed in the grand scheme
of things. There should some mechanism for reducing the file size
after install or a dynamic download/install based on OS. As more and
more universal apps update for iPad Retina graphics, it's only going
to be taking up more valuable space on your iPhone. Right now I
estimate about 300 MB wasted on my iPhone and that's only after 5-6
apps. I (the user) am going to be even more grumpy when it reaches a
GB or higher. That's significant on a 16 GB (really 13.7 GB capacity)
iPhone.

Andrew

[Cody Garvin]

Hi Andrew,

Honestly, imo, the answer is not doing a universal app as a developer if it's adding that much space. Perhaps separating the builds and making sure the correct content is in each app would be best. 

We have an app like that, the UI components between the devices is different enough (and large enough) to justify building two ipas. 

While, not the answer you're seeking, maybe will help in the interim. 

Regards

- Cody

[Michael]

I have assumed that the difference in graphics was the major difference between many
of the apps that are out there in an 'HD' version for iPad. Besides if you do the iPhone
version, the 'HD' version for iPad/iPad2 and the 'HHD' version for iPad3 you may get
3 sales. (smiley-with-wink).

Michael