Updating apps using iTunes 12.6.5.3

I have the same issue. I didn’t realise there was already a post in this and started a post, as I thought it was just my Mac. I was advised to unplug computer and plug it in again, but having read previous comments, the fact that Apple have done something to their servers makes more sense. I am still able to download app updates on my iPad and iPhone, but my Mac (running Mavericks), is having none of it., am also unable to download new apps from iTunes App Store. It appears to download the apps, but the little download circle with the arrow never appears and so the apps aren’t updated.

Am hoping that Apple sort something out pretty soon, but I won’t hold my breath. I believe they won’t fix it, as they want people to buy new computers.

I need to correct my earlier post...

iTunes 12.6.5.3 on Windows is still able to download iOS apps. I was looking at a newer version of iTunes on a different Windows VM. Sincere apologies for any confusion I may have caused.

For anyone looking for the 12.6.5.3 enterprise version of iTunes for Windows (which won't ask you to upgrade), you can find it at the link below. The article has been archived, but as of now the link still works:

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT208079

All the best and stay safe in these troubled times!

Well, it is rather confusing when one changes devices and asks for the new device to be restored from a backup. I've done this before and it worked for all my app's. The question is, did it install the apps from the backup or did it download them again from the App Store?

The link provided: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204136 such says:

Backups from your computer

A computer backup of your device, which is not the same as a sync, includes almost all of your device's data and settings. A backup from a computer doesn't include:

• Content from the iTunes and App Stores, or PDFs downloaded directly to Apple Books
• Content synced from Finder or iTunes, like imported MP3s or CDs, videos, books, and photos
• Data already stored in iCloud, like iCloud Photos, iMessages, and text (SMS) and multimedia (MMS) messages
• Face ID or Touch ID settings
• Apple Pay information and settings
• Apple Mail data
• Activity, Health, and Keychain data (to back up this content, you'll need to use Encrypted Backup in iTunes.)

• So what does "Content from the iTunes and App Stores, or PDFs downloaded directly to Apple Books" mean? Is it referring to data such as music, iBooks, etc or also apps?

Further it says:

Can I use my device's backup for another kind of device, like an iPhone backup for an iPad?

You can restore a device from a backup of another kind of device, like using an iPad backup for an iPhone, but certain types of content won't transfer. This content includes photos, Messages and attachments in Messages, Voice Memos, and apps that aren't compatible with the device that you’re setting up. For example, apps compatible only with iPad won't transfer to your iPhone.

I don't believe the backup is actually going to the apps store and re-downloading, it's getting the apps from the backup has been my experience and understanding. Apples servers would be overloaded with download requests every time someone does a restore for whatever reason.

It is confusing. The fact that the Windows side of things still works for 12.6.5.3 says something else rather than Apple killing the same iTunes on the Mac side. They would simply kill it on the Windows side too if that were the case. Logically than, one wonders why Apple has not addressed this issue in one form or another after so much daily feedback?

Anyone know if the backup to the computer copies the apps for sure? I think it does.

I'm backing up NOW. LOL

As suggested by others, using iTunes 12.6.5.3 on Windows to download the latest versions of apps locally, and then copying the new .ipa files across to the Mac works a treat. Drag and drop them into Mac iTunes 12.6.5.3 and iTunes updates the App library. Clunky but fine.

I tried installing iTunes 12.6.5.3 on my Windows 10 computer, and it does not work. It has an error because the newer version iTunes that comes with Win 10 leaves behind file structure that is not compatible with it.

Has anyone else figured how to get this version to work on an up to date Win 10 setup? I am currently on Win 10 version 1909, Build 18363.778 and with iTunes 12.10.7.3 as downloaded from the Microsoft store.

I also have an old MAC that does have iTunes 12.6.5.3 on it, but it of course has not worked right since March and I have over 60 apps waiting there to be saved.

When a deinstaller is not available, one must remove the components of the install manually. In Mac OS this is fairly easy to do, since most components are located in just a few locations. My old experience of Windows 7 was not the case. There seems like files all over the place. Maybe just because I didn't know the Windows system well enough being a Apple guy for years, all the way back to OS9. Also they may have simplified the structure later on in W8 & 10. You could do a system search for "iTunes" and throw out everything that shows up. Then try a fresh install of Windows iTunes 12.6.5.3. There must be at least one old component in your files that is triggering the failed install due to a newer version.

I have successfully removed newer versions of Mac iTunes in this manner.

Really ****** us loyal Mac users off that Apple has removed control of apps in 12.6.5.3 on the Mac side, but not Windows. It's not some kind of glitch either as this has been going on for several months and no fix. Most of us Mac users now realize there's not one coming. Many people have been polite and screaming on deft ears at Apple.

For those families and institutions or IT people, this is a real drag and inconvenient. It's the reason iTunes 12.6.5.3 was created in the first place to accommodate institutions. Otherwise for single users it's pretty easy just to install, remove and update on the phone. While I don't like it, and miss the convenience of the prior app control, I'm not losing any sleep over it.

Still love all my Apple products.

Cheers and Good luck

M

Please, send this message using Feedback to Apple https://www.apple.com/feedback/iphone.html

or https://www.apple.com/feedback/ipad.html

It's very eloquent

I agree 100%

BTW there are news today that Apple is going to introduce something new for app in Windows

Let's hope they are not going to kill iTunes there too

Other than using my Win 10 with iTunes 12.6.5.3 installed to collect the latest updates, and then transfer them to myMac mini, no. Once on the Mac, all you do is drag the files (.ipa) and drop on your Apps>Library and they update just as in the past.

Wasn't magic, alas , happened because so many of us complained !

Please send a feedback , more we send more chances we'll have to see it fixed

Why Windows work and not Apple?!?

I'm experiencing the same issue with iTunes 12.6.5.3 on macOS 10.13.6 High Sierra. With the Activity window open, clicking Update on an app listed in Updates shows a progress bar briefly but nothing happens. The Activity window remains blank.

To view the Case, I would have needed your last name to view the content, and as I don't know it, I can not view the case. Is it possible you let us know so we can look into this troublesome behaviour? Kind Regards, Peter

Actually I cannot put my name as Apple sent me an email saying they will remove any personal id info. Actually on 2 other posts I made they removed the Case number too. Here is all that is written on the Case id when I open my link to it:

Mac mini, Not able to back up iPhone and iPad apps to my Mac mini running iTunes version 12.6.5.3

So really just the same as above, except I am running Sierra and iTunes version 12.6.5.3

"Mac mini, Not able to back up iPhone and iPad apps to my Mac mini running iTunes version 12.6.5.3".

Is this what an Apple senior tech support person wrote as a summary of the issue? This description is grossly inaccurate as the problem has nothing to do with backing up apps.

The issue is that apps cannot be updated with iTunes version 12.6.5.3.

ArthurBA wrote:

I don't see this as very useful long term, but as a short term fix it may be ok.

Thanks for the Apple Configurator 2 tip... that works but not as straightforward as using only iTunes.

"It just works"... hmmph; Apple's been on the downside of that ever since Snow Leopard. It seems as if now, whenever Apple changes anything, the first order of business is to research what was removed and what no longer works correctly.