How to make an ipad application

jaydeeuk1

As per title...

One of our major clients is rolling out a load of ipads to its users.

I have made a web based application designed for the desktop which our client would also like available on the ipad. Sure, they could type in the address bar in safari, add to bookmarks etc but I think they want a sort of 'app' button, that they can install and then when pressed, loads up our application.

I'm an android user, never touched an ipad (we've just had one delivered today for testing). Looks an awesome bit of kit, but is it as much of an arseache that non apple fans make out to get an app on to the device? I guess I'm asking, what are the steps required for me to make some sort of app, that then links straight to a web browser containing link to our page. Piece of p*ss on android, not so sure on an ipad.

Israfel

If you have access to the ipads you could open the page in safari, click the middle (Options) button and choose "Add to Home Screen" which adds the webpage link like an app

Probi

I had a quick look how to do this once, don't think its very cheap to do and you need to use a mac book to create it.

There loads of info here:- http://developer.apple.com/ipad/sdk/

HTH

jaydeeuk1

Israfel wrote: »

If you have access to the ipads you could open the page in safari, click the middle (Options) button and choose "Add to Home Screen" which adds the webpage link like an app

Yeah but I think the client wants to roll the ipads out, with a dedicated icon on the home screen with our logo.

I don't want it to appear on the market place (its a Government application, and access is locked by IP anyway) but rolled out on each ipad. I've no idea if its something that would need to installed by the user/IT bloke before handing it over, or whether it can be done as a batch job like on a windows profile.

Probi wrote: »

I had a quick look how to do this once, don't think its very cheap to do and you need to use a mac book to create it.

There loads of info here:- http://developer.apple.com/ipad/sdk/

HTH

Our graphics guy has a macbook so that should be ok.
I noticed on that page there is a link for $99 or $299, will have a look what the diff is.

jayme1

you can use the iphone configuration utility to auto set up (windows version) and add a homescreen shortcut (exactly like you say for android), VPN certificates ect.

since you already use a web page for the site that is all you will need (and IMO using a web page/app is way better than having to write an specific app for every platform),
you definately don't have to write any kind of app, and definately don't need a mac or pay the developers fee.

paddyrg

Even if the app is not for sale through the appstore, you may find your hands very much tied by Apple, and the licenses may well say such too. Do you not have the option of creating the app for Android and giving away a stack of nice Android fondleslabs instead? Cheaper, nicer, more powerful, more open, more configurable, and at a push you can use appinventor to knock an app out in hours.

marvell-kid

Unfortunately, with apple, to create an app for any of the platforms is painstakingly long and expensive - and then locked to apple.
It will also be available to everyone with an apple ID on the app store.
Maybe your best bet is to ring up apple, although they may just talk about getting the developers kit.

Your best bet is to optimise the website for mobile (not using Flash) and create a bookmark on your Launch Screen, using the iphone configuration utility, as said by jayme1
eg - Rather than using https://www.tvcatchup.com, on my iPad I use ipad.tvcatchup.com
The site is designed for access through a browser and optimised for a device, so its similar to an app, but isn't linked through apple