Where does iTunes actually store iPhone apps and their data on a Mac?

Question

Where does iTunes actually store iPhone apps and their data on a Mac?

I can't find it. Google it but the info I find is old and wrong.

iPhone OS 3.1.3

Posted on Apr 9, 2011 9:31 PM

Reply

Answer 1

Apr 9, 2011 9:44 PM in response to thespaciousmind

In your iTunes library along with all other iTunes content on your iPhone.

To view all apps in your iTunes library, select Apps under Library in the iTunes source list. To select the apps in your iTunes library to be installed on your iPhone or to be removed from your iPhone, check under the Apps tab for your iPhone sync preferences with iTunes.

Data created and stored by a 3rd party app on your iPhone is not stored with the app in your iTunes library on your computer. 3rd party app settings and data created and stored by a 3rd party app on your iPhone is included with your iPhone's backup which is updated by iTunes as the first step during the iTunes sync process. Your iPhone's backup is not stored in your iTunes library.

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1766

Reply

Answer 2

Apr 9, 2011 10:07 PM in response to Allan Sampson

Thanks but I was referring to WHERE, LITERALLY, on the HD, i.e. what is the path. I found them.

The APPS are stored here on my mac:
Users/[user namehere]/Music/iTunes/iTunes Media/Mobile Applications

It looks like the data for these apps is stored here:
Users/davekees/Library/Application Support/MobileSync/Backup

It also looks like it's encrypted, hopefully compressed.

I plan to DELETE the contents of these folders. I load apps onto my device all the time, and then I delete them after a while. I definitely don't want them to be backed up. This is the only SAFE way I know of to get rid of apps. I don't trust iTunes, accept for backup and restore. Can't use it to arrange my apps. It can't handle everything I have.

Reply

Answer 3

Apr 10, 2011 2:21 AM in response to thespaciousmind

You are correct, the apps are stored here
Users/user namehere/Music/iTunes/iTunes Media/Mobile Applications

However, only some of the data is stored here
Users/davekees/Library/Application Support/MobileSync/Backup

That is actually the backup of the phone, usually settings, text messages and maybe a few other things but I doubt there is much app data stored there.

If you delete an app through iTunes and make sure to click delete instead of "leave on disk" (whatever the message is) then it is the same as you dropping the apps in the trash. As long as you also delete it from your phone you won't see that app again.

For extra security (and because I'm not sure) you can also delete those backups, just remember to resync your phone so you have a current backup.

Reply