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How should I approach building a Universal iOS app that will include iOS 4 features, even though the iPad doesn't yet run iOS 4?

Asked 2010-07-23T16:41:38.790
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I'd like build a game for both the iPhone and iPad. As such, it would make sense to start this project from scratch as a universal app. However, iPhone and iPad currently run two different versions of the iOS since iOS 4 isn't available for the iPad yet. There are two iOS 4 features (GameCenter and iAd) that I would like to support in my game.

  1. In this case, is it a bad idea to create this project as a universal app?
  2. If not, what are some thoughts I should take into consideration as I'm building a universal app that supports two different versions of the iOS?
  3. Is it somewhat safe to bet on Apple releasing the iOS 4 for the iPad in the fall as speculated?
  4. If so, is there anyway I can begin building these iOS 4 features (GameCenter and iAd) into my iPad version of my game?

Thanks so much in advance for all your wisdom!

EDIT: I understand this issue involves managing risks. I'm aware of the risks, but I'm more interested in any tech design considerations related to building a universal app when the iOS is fragmented among the various iOS devices.

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This is a question that is all about managing risk. Risks include:

  1. Apple doesn't release the expected "unified 4.1" OS within the timeframe you need
  2. The OS is released on time for your needs, but one or both of GameCenter or iAds aren't included
  3. GameCenter and/or iAds are included, but they don't match the exact API you were expecting
  4. The APIs are what you expected, but they are buggy since it is the first version on the iPad
  5. etc...

Only you can determine what level of each risk you're comfortable with, how likely you think each risk is, if you can mitigate each risk, and what the costs would be for any of these problems along the way.

answered 2010-07-23T17:01:29.310

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