iPhone icon size

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+2 Q:

I am developing an application for iPhone to support multiple devices, iPhone 2-4. I had an issue with the app icon as it was shown pixelated in the iPhone 4 simulator so I have used a new image with higher resolution (300 x 300) to be precise. On the simulator its showing fine for both iPhone 4 and the iPhone device simulators. However, when I ported my app to an iPhone 3 actual device the icon did not show at all and instead I get a blank white icon. I don't have an iPhone 4 yet so I cant tell if the same issue will happen on the physical device.

I am not sure what is the best dimensions/dpi to use for an icon to display perfectly on an iPhone 4 and older devices? Would appreciate a help if possible..

This link should give you the info you need regarding the different icon sizes.

Elfred 2010-07-07 13:44:44

+1 A:

Red,

Please follow these guidelines: http://developer.apple.com/iphone/library/documentation/userexperience/conceptual/mobilehig/IconsImages/IconsImages.html

I have not seen the pixelated issue on the iOS4 simulator like you did using an app that was originally written for iOS3+ with a standard 57x57 icon.

iWasRobbed 2010-07-07 13:45:41

Well to tell you the truth, the pixelation might not be an issue when the icon is shown on a physical device. The thing is that the 4 simul;ator showing on the screen is huge. It fills the whole screen and still got clipped from the bottom :(

Red Serpent 2010-07-07 13:59:08

I recently upgraded my OS to iOS4 and it looks very crisp and clean still. Since the user won't be able to zoom on the Springboard (where all the app icons are), they won't be able to see it like you do on your computer screen in the simulator.

iWasRobbed 2010-07-07 14:13:23

+3 A:

For older devices, save your 57x57 icon as Icon.png. For the iPhone 4, save your 114x114 icon as [email protected].

There are other sizes to cater to, like Spotlight/Settings icons and iPad icons. There's a full list written up at this blog post.

BoltClock 2010-07-07 13:45:41

So does that mean that I should bundle two different apps. One for iPhone 4 and the other for older devices??? Isn't there a way to lets say choose between the two images depending on the device the app is being installed on???

Red Serpent 2010-07-07 13:56:24

No, both `Icon.png` and `[email protected]` belong in the same universal app bundle.

BoltClock 2010-07-07 14:03:02

Can you elaborate more as I'm somewhat new to the whole iPhone development stuff.

Red Serpent 2010-07-07 14:03:56

He's saying to just include both icon files in your Resources folder. The OS will pull the correct one to use based on the device capabilities. It's the same for a universal app (for all iDevices) where you include an icon for the iPod/iPhone and also for the iPad and the device chooses the correct one to display.

iWasRobbed 2010-07-07 14:11:51

Oh thanks, I thought you should explicitly set the icon name in the plist...

Red Serpent 2010-07-07 14:27:24

Nope, you can just leave that field blank or delete the key all together and let the OS make that decision for you.

iWasRobbed 2010-07-07 15:35:00

iOS will pick the icon name automatically. `@2x` is a special string that iOS looks for to use on a high-res display.

BoltClock 2010-07-07 17:50:54

ansaurus

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