Tablet App Development A Quick Guide

Are you considering the development of a tablet app for your business? With the increasing demand for tablet devices, it’s important to ensure your application is optimized for these larger screens. Companies like TinyCo have already witnessed the benefits, with increased user engagement and higher conversion rates on tablets. Based on a survey conducted in the United States in 2022, approximately 50% of tablet users reported dedicating two to ten hours per week to tablet usage. On average, respondents spent 14.2 hours per week engaging with their tablets, highlighting the significant amount of time individuals invest in tablet activities.

So, what sets tablet app development apart from its mobile counterpart, and what are the critical steps to consider when building a successful tablet application? In this article, we’ll explore the key factors to keep in mind when developing a tablet app and provide valuable tips for creating an app that stands out in the crowded app marketplace.

What Are Tablet Apps?

These are the software programs meticulously crafted and optimized for tablet devices. These apps harness the unique attributes of tablets, such as larger screens, touch interfaces, and advanced processing power. They offer diverse functionalities across productivity, entertainment, education, gaming, communication, and more.

With its screen estate, tablet apps deliver an immersive and customized user experience, leveraging the screen size for richer content, intricate interfaces, and multitasking capabilities. The development of tablet apps empowers developers to meet the rising demand for tablet-specific experiences, continually enhancing user engagement and enabling the full realization of its potential.

What Drives The Demand For Tablet Apps?

Tablets rank as the second most popular device for media consumption, following smartphones. It serves a broader range of purposes, including video content consumption, studying, financial management, reading, and performing business-related activities involving charts and text manipulation.

• Tablets offer larger screens, making them more suitable for tasks that require extensive visual content, such as reading e-books, viewing documents, or watching videos. 
• They generally have more processing power and storage capacity, allowing for better multitasking and running resource-intensive applications.
• Additionally, tablets often provide a more immersive and comfortable experience for gaming and productivity, thanks to their larger screen estate. 
• Lastly, tablets often offer additional features like stylus support, making them ideal for digital art, note-taking, and other creative tasks. 

Although mobile phones possess inherent advantages, tablets function as supplementary devices, providing an array of distinct benefits and utilization scenarios. Tablets present unique advantages that mobile phones are incapable of emulating, thereby augmenting the demand for tablet-specific applications. 

The development of tablet applications affords users a more convenient alternative and considerably broadens the prospective user base. With a focus on the development of tablet applications, you can cater to the specific needs and preferences of tablet users, expanding the potential audience and enhancing overall user satisfaction.

Statistics Supporting The Usage Of Tablets

• In 2022, approximately 163.2 million tablet units were shipped worldwide, with a peak of 45.7 million units in the final quarter.
• The United States holds the largest share of the global tablet market, accounting for approximately one-third of annual tablet unit shipments. The popularity of tablets in the country is evident, with a projected 222 million Americans expected to use a tablet in 2023.
• The number of tablet users in the United States is predicted to rise continuously from 2023 to 2028, with an overall increase of 41.9 million users (+18.82 percent). By 2028, the number of tablet users is estimated to reach 264.49 million, marking the fifth consecutive year of growth. Notably, the number of tablet users has consistently increased in recent years.
• In the year 2022, the worldwide market for tablets witnessed an impressive expansion from $71.58 billion to $84.84 billion, with a remarkable compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 18.5%.
• As per the report by the Business Research Company, the size of the worldwide tablets market is projected to experience substantial growth, expanding from $84.12 billion in 2022 to $94.96 billion in 2023, exhibiting a commendable compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.9%. Moreover, the global tablet market is anticipated to thrive further, reaching an estimated value of $147.38 billion in 2027, with a robust CAGR of 11.6%. 
• Business Research Company also suggests that the surging requirement for tablets across diverse sectors, including healthcare, education, entertainment, and other industries, serves as a pivotal catalyst propelling the expansion of the tablet market. While prominent companies engaged in the tablets market are diligently concentrating on the creation of cutting-edge technological advancements and solutions tailored for tablets.

Market Segments Maximizing Tablet App Usage

1. Healthcare

• The healthcare sector is experiencing substantial growth driven by the need for efficient workflows and an increasing focus on patient-centric care.
• Tablets are being utilized in healthcare for various purposes, such as patient monitoring, managing medical records, and facilitating telemedicine.

2. Retail

• Tablets are transforming the retail industry by enabling personalized shopping experiences, real-time inventory updates, and convenient mobile payment options.
• Retailers employ tablets for tasks such as inventory management and enhancing customer service interactions.

3. Education

• Tablets are gaining popularity in educational settings, with schools and universities adopting them in classrooms to enhance learning experiences.
• Educational institutions utilize tablets for interactive learning activities and as a platform for digital textbooks.

4. Hospitality

• The hospitality industry has integrated tablet apps into their day-to-day operations, spanning from ordering services to providing concierge assistance.
• Tablets play a role in tasks like check-in and check-out processes, ordering and payment services, as well as facilitating room service requests.

5. Finance

• Financial institutions are leveraging tablets for a wide range of functions, including customer service and portfolio management.
• The larger screen size and enhanced usability of tablets make them particularly attractive for FinTech applications, catering to clients’ needs effectively.

6. Real Estate

Tablets have become invaluable tools in the real estate industry, facilitating property listings, virtual property tours, and document signing.

7. Transportation

Tablets find utility in transportation operations, serving purposes such as navigation, fleet management, and logistics management.

8. Manufacturing

Tablets are employed in the manufacturing sector to enhance quality control processes, manage inventory, and conduct equipment maintenance efficiently.

9. Automotive

Tablets play a crucial role in automotive industries, providing functionalities like vehicle inspection reports and digital checklists.

10. Logistics

Logistics applications, including Transportation Management Systems (TMS) and Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), necessitate tablet versions due to the complex nature of the solutions.

11. Streaming Platforms

Many individuals prefer using tablets with larger screens for streaming platforms, enhancing their viewing experience for movies, TV shows, and book-reading apps.

Key Technical Considerations For Tablet App Development

In the realm of app development, tablets offer a unique platform that demands special attention and consideration. While the overall process may share similarities with mobile app development, there are nuanced aspects that require careful navigation. Let’s explore the key factors to keep in mind when embarking on tablet app development:

1. Embracing Multi-Window Mode

• With the rise of multitasking, multi-window mode has become a sought-after feature in both Android (since version 7.0) and iOS (since version 9).
• Developing a tablet app with multi-window support presents challenges that developers must address to ensure optimal user experience. Those challenges include:

1.1. Adapting To Different Screen Sizes

In tablet app development, understanding the implications of screen size variations and album orientation is crucial for delivering an optimal user experience. By addressing these considerations and leveraging the expertise of skilled designers, developers can create tablet apps that adapt flawlessly to different screen sizes and modes, providing users with a seamless and visually appealing interaction. Considerations for handling screen size variations and album orientation in tablet app development:

1.1.1. Account for Screen Size Variation

• Tablets come in different sizes, requiring developers to ensure their app’s design and layout adapt seamlessly to various screen dimensions.
• To avoid stretched or distorted images in multi-window mode, it is essential to provide an album orientation in the mobile version of the app.

1.1.2. Addressing Resource Allocation

• When a tablet app enters multi-window mode, it accesses shared mobile resources, potentially leading to a compromised user experience.
• To overcome this challenge, consider dividing the app into multiple windows and carefully designing the layout to utilize mobile application resources while ensuring a cohesive tablet app experience.

1.1.3. Preventing Screen Transition Issues

• If the mobile version of the app does not support album orientation, switching back from multi-window mode on a tablet can result in a disrupted appearance.
• The transition between screen modes can be seamless and visually appealing by enabling album orientation in the mobile app and designing a consistent layout.

1.1.4. Resource Optimization for Tablet Apps

• Breaking the app into several windows offers an opportunity to optimize resource usage, ensuring that the necessary assets are utilized from the mobile app and returned as needed for the tablet version.
• By strategically managing resource allocation, developers can create a cohesive and visually pleasing experience across different screen modes.

1.1.5. UI/UX Design Considerations

• Collaborating with experienced UI/UX designers is essential to tackle the challenges associated with screen size variations and album orientation.
• They can provide insights and implement design strategies that maintain consistency and usability, regardless of the device or screen mode.

1.2. Understanding The Lack Of A “Tablet Concept” In Android SDK

iOS distinguishes tablets as a separate concept, providing a dedicated framework and design principles for tablet app development. In iOS tablet apps, compatibility with tablet-specific features and functionalities is well-supported, ensuring a smoother development process.

However, the Android Software Development Kit (SDK) does not have a specific ‘tablet’ concept. Consequently, developers working on Android tablet app development need to rely on existing tools and frameworks to optimize the app for tablets.

2. Integration With The Internet of Things (IoT)

• Tablets have extensive use in industries such as logistics, healthcare, agriculture, education, and FinTech.
• Consider incorporating IoT capabilities into your tablet app to enable seamless integration with smart home technology and other IoT devices.
• When aiming to create a tablet app with IoT integration, it is crucial to collaborate with a skilled software provider. 
• Attention should be given to their expertise in implementing IoT solutions to ensure successful integration and fulfillment of project requirements.

3. Transitioning From Mobile To Tablet

• If you already have a mobile app, converting it to a tablet version is a viable option.
• Seek the expertise of a software provider experienced in app conversion to ensure a smooth transition.
• Skilled UI/UX designers can tackle the challenges of adapting the mobile design to fit the tablet screen estate.

Designing For User Experience (UX) On Tablets 

Ensuring optimal user experience (UX) is a crucial element in the development of applications. As tablet devices continue to gain prominence, it becomes essential to acknowledge the distinctions in designing these platforms. In this section, we will delve into significant factors to bear in mind when crafting a superb UX for tablet devices.

• Leverage the ample screen space on tablets: Capitalize on the larger screen size of tablets by designing intricate and visually captivating layouts that make effective use of the available screen estate.
• Optimize for landscape mode: Cater to the preference of many tablet users by ensuring that your app is fully optimized for landscape orientation, with well-aligned and appropriately spaced elements.
• Employ high-quality visuals: Given the higher expectations for visuals on tablets, incorporate vector graphics and high-resolution images to ensure a sharp and visually appealing appearance on these devices.
• Account for split-screen multitasking: Recognize the multitasking capabilities of tablets, particularly the ability to view multiple apps simultaneously in a split-screen format. Design your app to seamlessly adapt and function in a split-screen environment.

1. Developing A Tablet App Design From Scratch

For those unfamiliar with iOS or Android tablet app development, or even basic smartphone app creation, it is essential to follow a set of straightforward steps to ensure comprehensive understanding. Let’s explore these steps and acquire the necessary knowledge for designing a tablet app from scratch:

1.1. Familiarize Yourself With Design Guidelines

It is recommended to thoroughly review the Android Design Manual or the Human Interface Guidelines for iOS, as they provide crucial insights for designing tablet apps, with some sections specifically tailored to tablet interfaces.

1.2. Optimize For Screen Configurations 

Android offers the advantage of developing apps that work seamlessly across various devices with different screen sizes and form factors. To ensure convenient access on tablets, optimize layouts and components for each supported configuration, leveraging the additional screen space to enhance usability, incorporate new features, and deliver unique content. For iOS, providing an iPad-specific launch screen via storyboards guarantees full-screen resolution on different iPad models.

1.3. Plan Layout, Fonts, and Spacing 

Utilize UI planning tools to visualize the app’s elements and their arrangement. When designing tablet apps, strike a balance between creativity and usability, considering the convenience and overall aesthetic appeal. Collaborating with a professional designer can help determine the appropriate fonts, spacing, and elements that achieve a harmonious blend of beauty and user-friendliness.

2. Developing A Tablet App Design From An Existing App

When considering the development of a tablet app, it is advisable to create a separate version specifically tailored to tablets, particularly if you already have a mobile app. One compelling reason for this is the variance in screen sizes between different devices. While iOS devices exhibit minor discrepancies in screen size, Android devices offer a significantly wider range, necessitating careful consideration of layout and element placement. 

The distinction in user interaction between tablets and smartphones further accentuates the need for a well-organized and intuitive layout. It is vital to preserve the original appearance of the app, as it serves as a representation of your business or company and should exude a seamless aesthetic. 

Capitalizing on the expanded screen area available on tablets, particularly in landscape orientation, presents an opportunity to optimize the user experience. By adhering to these recommendations, you can effectively harness the full potential of tablet app development:

1. Enhance interaction by strategically arranging elements to facilitate ease of use with both hands, optimizing the user experience for tablet devices.
2. Capitalize on the expanded screen space of tablets to incorporate a greater number of interactive elements, providing users with a more engaging and immersive experience.
3. Plan the layout, fonts, and intervals to ensure seamless compatibility with tablets and PCs, making necessary adjustments to the interface objects.
4. Customize the design for different screen sizes, utilizing effective interfaces with multi-panel layouts to balance visuals, simplify navigation, and enhance visibility.
5. Modify the app’s interface and design, eliminating stretched screen elements and incorporating new elements to create an aesthetically pleasing and user-friendly experience.
6. Explore various content handling techniques, incorporating new materials or finding innovative ways to present existing content for an enriched user experience.
7. Select appropriate screen sizes for the multi-panel interface, offering distinct layouts for similar screen sizes or screens with a minimal width to optimize usability and visual appeal.
8. Ensure that tablet optimization provides functionality on par with the mobile app, guaranteeing a consistent and comprehensive user experience across devices.

How To Develop An App For A Tablet?

1. Finding A Reputable Technical Partner

• Begin by searching for a reliable software development firm that specializes in iOS and Android tablet app development.
• Outsourcing to an external app development firm can offer numerous advantages, such as access to a wide range of technologies and tools, a large pool of skilled professionals, and flexible pricing options.
• Collaborating with an experienced professional allows for the convenient conversion of an existing mobile app into a tablet version or the creation of a new tablet app from scratch.

2. Begin The Tablet App Development

The development process encompasses several key stages:

Stage 1: Solution Design Phase

• After selecting a provider, the team works on defining the project’s business goals, scope of work, and quality attributes.
• An estimated timeline and development cost are calculated during this stage.

Stage 2: Discovery Phase

• In this phase, the project undergoes a comprehensive analysis to establish a Feature Breakdown List (FBL), design concept, and UX map.
• Requirements are specified, and the application’s architecture is defined.
• A detailed estimate is provided at this stage.

Stage 3: UI/UX Design

• The significance of design cannot be overstated when creating a tablet app, whether it involves transforming an existing app or building one from scratch.
• The design team creates screen-by-screen mockups of the future app.
• Once the design is approved, the materials are handed over to the developers.

Stage 4: Development And Testing

• Developers utilize the documents from the Discovery phase and the approved design concepts to begin writing the app’s code.
• The development process typically follows an iterative approach, with each sprint concluding with testing.
• Pre-release quality assurance is performed to identify and fix any potential bugs.

Stage 5: Deployment

• Once development and testing are complete, the tablet app can be uploaded to the respective app marketplaces, such as Google Play and App Store.
• The software provider assists with the deployment process and provides the necessary app materials and links.

Stage 6: Post-release Support

• Continuous support is crucial after the app is deployed.
• Regular updates are required to ensure compatibility with the latest operating system versions, introduce new features, and address any issues or bugs.
• These efforts contribute to improving user satisfaction and expanding the app’s user base.

Budgeting Considerations In Tablet App Development

1. Factors That Can Impact The Cost Of App Development

• Choice of the platform: Developing for multiple platforms (e.g., iOS, Android) incurs additional costs due to separate coding and testing requirements for each platform.
• Complexity and number of features: The more complex and extensive the app features, the greater the impact on development costs.
• Custom design: Creating unique designs and graphics for the app can increase the overall cost of development.
• Development team: The size and experience level of the development team can influence the cost of app development.
• API integration: Integrating multiple APIs adds to the expenses of mobile and tablet app development.

2. Minimizing Costs And Maximizing ROI Strategies

• Feature prioritization: Identify essential features and prioritize their development to avoid unnecessary expenses.
• Utilize pre-built modules and templates: Save time and costs by utilizing pre-existing modules and templates during the development process.
• Collaborate with experienced developers: Experienced mobile or tablet app developers can provide valuable insights to identify cost-saving opportunities and prevent potential pitfalls.
• Early and frequent testing: Conducting thorough testing throughout the development process helps identify and address issues at an early stage, reducing time and financial implications.

Techniques For Improving Tablet App Store Rankings

Strategies for App Store Optimization (ASO) for Tablet Apps:

• Enhance the app’s metadata, including the app title, description, and keywords, to ensure it aligns with the target audience’s interests and captures their attention effectively.
• Utilize compelling screenshots and videos that vividly demonstrate the app’s features and functionality, captivating and engaging potential users.
• Optimize the app icon to make it visually appealing and easily recognizable, creating a strong impression and attracting user attention.
• Encourage users to provide ratings and reviews for the app and promptly respond to reviews in a professional and timely manner.
• Select the most appropriate app category to maximize discoverability among the desired target audience.

1. Proven Methods To Improve App Store Presence And Ranking

• Prioritize the development of a top-notch app that effectively caters to the needs of your intended audience.
• Implement ASO best practices to optimize your app’s metadata, visuals, ratings, and reviews, ensuring maximum impact on app store visibility.
• Consider implementing paid app install campaigns to boost download numbers and enhance your app’s standing in app store rankings.
• Harness the potential of social media and other marketing channels to promote your app and drive increased downloads.
• Continuously monitor and analyze your app’s performance within the app store, making necessary adjustments to your ASO strategy for sustained optimization.

By embracing these strategies and insights, businesses can enhance their app’s discoverability and secure improved rankings in app stores, fostering increased downloads and user engagement.

Differentiating Tablet Apps From Mobile Apps

Key Factors To Evaluate When Deciding Between Mobile And Tablet App Development

When deciding between mobile app development and tablet app development, it is crucial to consider various factors to make an informed choice that aligns with your enterprise’s offerings, target audience, and engagement strategy.

• Many enterprise organizations opt for tablet-specific apps to optimize user experiences for individuals who prefer tablets over mobile devices. Tablets offer larger displays and screen sizes, allowing users to view multiple data sets simultaneously.
• If maximizing screen space is a priority for your app development project, focusing on tablet app development may be the ideal approach. On the other hand, if you aim for a touchpoint solution that users will frequently use for shorter durations, prioritizing mobile app development is recommended.
• It is essential to concentrate on either mobile or tablet app development initially rather than designing a one-size-fits-all solution that may not function optimally on both platforms.
• Many organizations have a mobile-friendly website for their general online presence and a downloadable native app to cater to specific requirements.
• Ultimately, the key is to select the most suitable tool that aligns with your business objectives and goals.

Conclusion 

While mobile apps and tablet apps have their differences, they also share common elements, such as the operating system. Whether you’re developing for iOS or Android, the process remains similar within the same operating system. However, the main variations lies in market share and app store approval procedures.

To ensure the success of your tablet or mobile application project, it’s wise to seek guidance from experienced app developers who can provide strategic advice on creating impactful user experiences.

Here at Idea Usher, we offer exceptional tablet app development and design services, distinguished by several key factors:

• We employ agile development methodologies, resulting in efficient project execution. 
• Our mobile and tablet solutions have received prestigious awards, highlighting their quality and innovation. 
• We prioritize collaboration with clients, tailoring our approach to their specific needs. 
• We offer competitive rates for our tablet app development and design talent, ensuring affordability. 
• We conduct comprehensive quality assurance testing before launching projects, guaranteeing a seamless user experience. 
• Our expertise extends to cross-platform and HTML5 tablet applications, covering all major tablet platforms. 
• With our proficient in-house team comprising business analysts, UX/UI specialists, and designers, we consistently deliver successful projects. 

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FAQ

Q. Do all Android apps work on tablets?

A. No, not all Android apps work perfectly on tablets. While Android’s native scaling capabilities make most apps usable on tablets, there are still a few apps that work better on smartphones. However, Google is focused on improving the tablet experience, and new Android updates aim to enhance tablet functionality. Despite this, there are specific tablet apps that are optimized for larger screens, offering a better user experience on tablets.

Q.How much time does it take to develop a Tablet App?

A. The time required to develop a tablet app can vary depending on several factors such as the complexity of the app, desired features, the size of the development team, and the development approach followed. Depending on the scope and requirements of the app, development can take a few weeks to several months. It’s important to engage with a professional development team that can provide a more accurate estimate based on your specific app requirements and project timeline.

Q. How does tablet app development differ from mobile app development?

A. Tablet app development differs from mobile app development in terms of user interface design and layout. Tablet apps often utilize larger screens, allowing for more content and enhanced user experiences. Developers need to adapt the app’s design and functionality to take advantage of the tablet’s larger form factor.

Q. Are mobile and tablet apps the same?

A. No, mobile and tablet apps are not the same. They have distinct design considerations and differences in functionality. Tablet apps typically require more features and functionality to utilize the larger screen size effectively. While mobile apps often prioritize usability and speed due to the smaller screen size. Developers need to consider these device-specific factors to ensure a tailored user experience for each platform.

Q.  Why are tablet apps important?

A. Tablet apps are important because they cater to specific tasks and activities that are better suited for the tablet screen estate. While smartphones are popular for everyday tasks, tablets excel in providing a larger screen for video content, performing business tasks, etc. Tablet apps optimize the user experience for these activities, offering enhanced functionality and usability. They allow users to leverage the tablet’s advantages, such as a more immersive display and improved multitasking capabilities, making them essential for maximizing productivity and enjoyment on tablet devices.