New iPhone features to boost mobile gambling
New range of devices and operating software feature increased security and processing speeds
New features included in Apple’s new iPhone range and operating software could boost the increasingly popular mobile gambling market.
The technology developer has revealed two new versions of its iPhone series, the 5S and the 5C, due to be released in the next few weeks. They will benefit from faster processing speeds, allowing mobile apps to run more smoothly.
Casino developers will be able to embrace the new iPhone’s new 64-bit integrated graphics engine, the OpenGL ES 3, which will allow apps to feature more accomplished graphical displays and smoothen mobile gameplay.
The presence of a fingerprint locking feature on the more expensive iPhone 5S is also likely to endear itself to safety-conscious bettors, increasing security of the mobile device.
The notion of a cheaper version of the iPhone is considered a challenge to Android’s dominance of the smartphone market in emerging economies. The operating software’s market share has grown to 79%, with egaming operators mindful of its reach into such markets.
However, Android’s split across several mobile devices is known to cause issues in app development, with various screen sizes and processing speeds needing to be taken into account. Apple’s move to into the cheaper smartphone market is likely to appease app developers in this sense.
Apple will also release the latest edition of its operating software, iOS 7, to coincide with the launch of the new devices. Although developers received the “golden master” build of the operating system yesterday, it will be released to the general public on 18 September.
New multi-tasking application program interfaces (APIs) allow apps to update information and download content in the background without unnecessarily draining power, a feature which is likely to be embraced by sportsbook operators providing in-game betting.
Mark Gibson, business development director at mobile games developer mkodo, expects the features of iOS7 to have a positive effect on overall usability and visual engagement of mobile apps.
“Apple’s release promises to be the most significant iOS upgrade and hardware release for some time and, in time, a real opportunity to provide high-quality apps and services for a whole new population of customers,” he added.
A number of operators have recently recorded significant growth in mobile revenues, most notably William Hill which posted a 198% increase in mobile gaming net revenue.