What is a reasonable size for an iPhone App?

Question

I'm wondering what's a reasonable size for iPhone Apps. Right now I'm working on an iPhone game, and of course it loads fast into my device since I'm connected directly to it through a USB cable, but I've no idea how long it would actually take to download from the App Store.

In my case it's about 2mb in size, which is reasonable for a desktop or even a flash game, but I've no idea if this is reasonable size for the iPhone.

My other concern is what's the non-wifi download limit of the App Store? Occasionally there are Apps that won't download unless you've got a wifi connection. And personally I've never downloaded such apps, since it gives me a bad impression. So I'd definitely want to stay below that limit.

Also since I'm already asking about app sizes, it would be probably be useful to collect good sizes for other types of apps as well.

Thanks!

Answer 1

The 3g network is fast. I wouldn't limit your development based on this - do exactly what you need to do to make your game as good as it can be, and people will download it even if it takes a tiny bit longer. I've downloaded 10MB+ applications from the store over 3g and it might as well be a slow wi-fi connection, it's just that fast.

Also remember that many people purchase on their computers (hence a fast connection) and then just sync to the iPhone, especially those that are in areas with slower cellular networks.

Bottom line, size won't affect downloads, ratings will.

Answer 2

I would try and keep it as small as possible. The app-store could probably support, say, a 100MB application, but it wont be nice to install for users.

The problem is installing via the phone - all you get is a simple progress bar, and most people have their phone auto-lock after 1 minute.. So, ideally the app would download in under a minute on an average connection..

Answer 3

Looking through some of the games i have on my phone they weigh in around 7 or 8 mb a pop. I think your 2mb will be fine.

One thing i can tell you for sure is that if you want to be distributable over the cell network your application has to be under 10 mb. If you exceed this it will have to be downloaded using wifi or itunes on a computer. The Spore game is over 10 mb and i was unable to download it over the cell network.

Answer 4

Besides the resonable numbers being somewhat lower the limits: Maximum app size ist 2GB Application larger than 20MB won't be downloadable over a cellular connection