SoullessBilly

Q: How do I get apps from my iPhone to sync to iTunes?

When I download apps onto my iPhone, they do not automatically sync to iTunes when I plug it in and connect to iTunes.

 

I understand I can go into the app store and manually search and download them or go into the past purchases and download them, but I want them to automatically sync and download to my iTunes library when I plug it in like it did in the past.

 

I have tried manually syncing and transferring and neither will transfer the apps that are on my phone to my iTunes library.

iPhone 6 Plus, iOS 9.2.1

Posted on Mar 9, 2016 1:28 PM

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Q: How do I get apps from my iPhone to sync to iTunes?

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  • by Limnos,

    Limnos Limnos Mar 9, 2016 2:05 PM in response to SoullessBilly
    Level 9 (53,665 points)
    Mac OS X
    Mar 9, 2016 2:05 PM in response to SoullessBilly

    New "App Thinning" with iOS9:  To make apps smaller they are being customized for specific hardware when downloaded from Apple directly over-the-air to a device with iOS9. Apps downloaded directly to a device from Apple may no longer work on any other kind of device. Apple has decided there is no point in syncing these to a computer since each device should ideally get a customized version directly from Apple. If you want a backup copy on your computer you can transfer a non-thinned version directly from the Store to the computer which should you need it can be transferred to any i-device (but will take up more room). It may be a good idea to enable automatic downloads on your computer so there will be a copy of all apps there as sometimes apps are removed from the Store: Turn on Automatic Downloads -  https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT202180#computer

     

    Here's the technical description: https://developer.apple.com/library/watchos/documentation/IDEs/Conceptual/AppDis tributionGuide/AppThinning/AppThinning.html - iOS9 App Thinning > "Slicing is the process of creating and delivering variants of the app bundle for different target devices. A variant contains only the executable architecture and resources that are needed for the target device." ... "The App Store will create and deliver different variants based on the devices your app supports." 

  • by sberman,Solvedanswer

    sberman sberman Mar 9, 2016 2:09 PM in response to SoullessBilly
    Level 8 (39,083 points)
    Mar 9, 2016 2:09 PM in response to SoullessBilly

    In iTunes on your computer, use the menu to go to iTunes > Preferences > Store.

     

    Look under Automatic Downloads.  Make sure "Apps" is checked.  Also make sure the Apple ID shown just below "Automatic Downloads" is the same one you're using on the iPhone.

     

    UPDATE:  I certainly agree with Limnos' explanation.  What I suggested would only apply if you received a new app on your iPhone and expected it to appear in iTunes as well.  "Sync" as we knew it before App Thinning is now gone as Limnos states.

  • by SoullessBilly,

    SoullessBilly SoullessBilly Mar 21, 2016 7:04 AM in response to sberman
    Level 1 (12 points)
    Wireless
    Mar 21, 2016 7:04 AM in response to sberman

    This worked. Thank you.