App Store Issue with Devices Supported

Target Platforms Mobile
1

We just released our app on the App Store, but Apple listed devices as supported that we did not put any code to support them. We did not want to support anything below the iPhone 4, but now the iPhone 3GS is supported.

We heard by including certain hardware requirements you can restrict which devices are supported, but we heard this too late, and Apple does NOT allow you to update your App once it is live with hardware requirement changes.

Right now because of Apple’s rigid restrictions we have two options.

  1. Have a popup that shows up after the player has downloaded the App and launches the App that says, “Sorry your device is not supported.”

  2. Reupload an entirely new binary with a different bundle ID, App ID, and everything, then include the hardware restrictions.

Option 1 is obviously bad for the fact the consumer will be angry and give us bad reviews. And putting a warning text of supported devices in the description does not always work.

Option 2 is a lot of work, and if users download the game now and we upload a new binary, they will be angry because their save data does not transfer over.

Right now we’re facing a major dilemma, and were wondering if anyone had some possibly alternative ideas or workarounds?

2

Have you actually tested your app on 3G? Or does it have specific features that wouldn’t run on 3G?

My app runs BETTER on 3G than on 4 (not 4S - the first 4). I can’t think of anything on a 3G that wouldn’t be compatible, aside from font sizes.

3

That will merely make people rage and give you bad reviews.

2.3% of the market have a 3GS. Just ignore it and ensure your email is clearly visible for support and IF anyone in the world actually buys your game for a 3GS (extremely unlikely) - you can apologise by email and urge them to get a refund.

I think you’re overreacting. Just chill and do nothing except offer personal support for the 10 or so people that might buy it on 3GS.

4

Hey Hippocoder,

Our game is a freemium app anyways, so I think the refund support isn’t needed. But now looking at the data, I suppose there’s no worries for the 3GS crowd. It’s just an annoyance on our part. Sometimes it sucks to be a multitasking OCD perfectionist, lol.

Thanks.