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First, is there hard info to support any advantages, and what they are, of the 'tablet' category vs the 'phone'. Does it change exposure levels to possible users, for example.
Second, will changing just the search bar in landscape meet the minimum requirements or are you going to have to diddle around with more to satisfy them, like doing the same to the edit screen.
Third, are a few changes to the landscape mode all that is needed.
If 'no' is more than likely the answer to all three, I think it's not worth the bother. You have a program that works extremely well as is, so why change for what 'might be better'. It may be more advantages to make a statement on the description page[s] to the effect it is more efficient on larger tablets, xx inches and above.

If you decide to make the search bar mod, I suggest it be to the right side because of the touch capabilities of the filters. Left/right selectable may be better depending on coding requirements.