Only 30% of iPad apps are free, according to new research from the app store research firm Distimo. The average price for the 70% of apps that do charge a fee also has risen 23.5% in the past year – from $4.34 to $5.36.The team at PadGadget attributes the price increase to the fact that iPad app developers are moving away from the in-app purchase Model. Only 6% of apps offered in-app purchases in March 2011, down from 10% in April 2010.
Presumably some app publishers are finding it preferable to charge upfront fees, or to use Apple’s new subscription Model, than to generate piecemeal revenues for upgrades or features within an app.
