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Reclaim Space From IPA Files On My Mac

While iTunes 12.7 for Mac removes the iOS app store it leaves some ophaned folders on my Mac in the Mobile Applications folder. These are multiple gigabites in size. I can delete these IPA files but might I ever need them again? For example, if I want to run an earlier version of an app? How would you handle this?
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Ken

Comments: 10 Responses to “Reclaim Space From IPA Files On My Mac”

    7 years ago

    I would just delete those. Why would you want to run an earlier version of an app. And if you did, would it even work on newer iPhones running newer versions of iOS? And is it even worth the extra space or worrying about it?

    What is the worst that could happen? You have to use the newer version of the app? You have to find another app that does the same thing?

    Ned Newberry
    7 years ago

    If you have slow or expensive or both internet connection, and you like to install and erase apps to maintain space on your iphone, then you might want to hold on to those IPA files.
    E.g., If you often delete games temporarily to make room for work-related stuff, then install those games again as you finish the work. Or something like that. :-)

    7 years ago

    Ned: The problem is that with iTunes 12.7 you can no longer do that. Plus, of course, many games come out with regular updates anyway.

    Ken Springer
    7 years ago

    You asked why I would want to use an earlier version of an app...

    1. It has one or more features that I use that have been deprecated by the developers.
    2. The new version offers no value to me.
    3. The new version has a less efficient user interface, requiring more, not less, effort to use.
    4. In the new version, a totally redesigned user interface that requires my time to learn to use and takes away from my productivity time.

    oldversion.com/, "Because newer is not always better!"

    7 years ago

    Ken: The problem is that updates almost always include security and stability improvements. Software is built on top of libraries and those libraries are constantly being updated. Sticking with an old version leaves you vulnerable. Your points 1-4 are not worth that.
    I understand that change is hard. We get used to how things work. But it is important to keep up-to-date and use the latest version of software supplied and supported by the developer.

    Ken Springer
    7 years ago

    Gary,

    #1 will always be valid, but it does vary by individual.

    Major changes in the UI waste everyone's time, while offering nothing for security and stability that I know of. It seems no one is interested in just fixing those safety and security issues, which would be the best thing to do, IMO. Then I end up with software I know how to use, but have a safer and more secure version.

    The constant changing of UI's is why I don't use iTunes and other programs and websites any more.

    Law Thim Fook
    6 years ago

    Hi Gary, I have 2 questions. #1-In iTunes 12.7, when I do a backup from the iPhone to iTunes, what then actually got backed up, especially if I've downloaded some NEW apps to iPhone, but they weren't in iTunes earlier? If my assumption is right, NONE of the NEW apps will be backup to iTunes. But what if there were some data associated with those NEWLY downloaded apps? #2-What if I got a new iPhone, and would like to restore the data from the previous iPhone? What happens then? Thanks.

    Law Thim Fook
    6 years ago

    Oops! I forgot to add - what if ALL those .ipa files have been deleted from iTunes Media/Mobile Applications?

    6 years ago

    You don't need to backup your apps. You can just download them again from the App Store. Backups save the data stored by apps. Data for all apps gets backed up.

    Law Thim Fook
    6 years ago

    Much thanks for your quick reply, Gary. So I guess the same principles applies to my iPhone 5 which is on iOS10.x as well. The data will also be saved, even though all the .ipa files have been deleted from iTunes/Mobile Applications. I'll proceed to delete all the .ipa files then. Definitely need some extra disk space.

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