The Higher Cost of the iPad
There are a lot of posts and articles about the iPad, which is understandable. However, I feel that all of the stories have overlooked one important trend: total cost of ownership.
Let me set this up.
When the [Apple
Remote](http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/10/apples-remote-control-application-for-itunes-and-apple-tv/)
was introduced, it was Apple's first app available through the App
Store. It set a precedent in the minds of everyone who would visit the
Store from that point on: If Apple is giving an app away, why should I
pay for other apps? Obviously, things changed, and many people have
purchased apps, but the trend for almost all apps has been a downward
spiral, getting very close to, if not hitting "Free".
Apple tried to counteract this downward trend by introducing other apps
that cost money, though they could have just as easily been free. For
example, they released the Keynote Remote at \$0.99 to show developers
that they could stand firm on pricing. While they didn't market it that
way, that was the distinct impression that I had.
Many others have
[written](http://www.businessinsider.com/iphone-app-prices-tanking-2009-2)
[about](http://148apps.biz/app-store-metrics/?mpage=appprice) this, so
I'll leave the setup and talk about the iPad. Apple has again set the
standard and the developers will follow suit. They have priced the iWork
apps at \$9.99. I expect that most apps that are designed for the iPad
are going to cost at least \$9.99. There will of course be free apps,
and there will be cheaper apps, but Apple is telling developers and
consumers that developing a quality app is expensive, and they are
setting the bar.
I am predicting that based on Apple's iWork suite selling for \$9.99
each, the average cost of apps on the iPad store will be higher than the
current
[~\$2.50](http://techcrunch.com/2009/08/06/android-and-iphone-apps-cost-about-the-same-except-for-games-and-dictionaries/).
I predict it will close to double that amount.
By the way, there is an
[app](http://wetfish.de/software/app-store-expense-monitor/) that says
that I have spent around \$255 on apps. That is pretty reasonable. I
have found some great deals on apps using [this web
site](http://appshopper.com).
Have a Good Life.
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