Updated apps on iPhone 5 won't sync with iTunes 11.

iTunes 11 appears to have changed the way apps sync. Apps will only sync if they are being added or removed. Updates won't sync as part of the "sync" process.

To get updates to sync, you have to do a "Backup". That will sync all updated versions after the backup completes. I guess that's so the version on the PC matches the version on the device.

I can kind of understand why this was done. For one thing it makes syncing a lot faster as it skips all the app updates and for another updates can be done on the devices and computers themselves so it's not like it's not possible to get the update. On the flip side though, it requires downloading updates multiple times.

Boy, am I glad you posted this. I had 21 apps updated on my iPhone and when I finally connected to iTunes and hit sync, only a couple were actually synced back to iTunes. I had to hit the manual backup button for it to work as it did before. Thanks, this was driving me crazy.

I've also found that right clicking and choose "transfer purchases" also works if you don't want to do a backup.

Basically updates that are done on the iPhone/iPad won't automatically transfer over during a sync like they used to. I've been told updates done in iTunes will transfer over, but I haven't tried that.

I have also found that if I select the device upon which I have an updated app clicking on

File > Device > Transfer Purchases from device name does work but not as part of the normal sync like it used to.

As you say if the updates are done in your itunes they will copy over as part of the sync. It is just the otherway round

Hi,

I might be stupid but none of your suggestions seems to work!

I have tried transfer purchases, the backup and through the app store. None is working!!!

I have 59 apps to update and I have no clue where to do it on iTunes!!! 😠

I can't do it straight on the phone, as there are to many to sync!

And WHY the **** did they change the way of updating the apps??? It was so easy before!

Please help, cause I am starting to get very annoyed by this new iPhone 5!

(I have some more issues with it)

Thanks

This post has been here since long time. I do not see any reply from apple to this issue.

I am having this same problem and just decided to iqnore it becuase Apple has so many other serious problems regarding thier iOS.

iOS 7 seems promsing which will update all apps automaticly in the background (nice feature). so lets what and see

Hi,

I found the solution for this problem somewhere else I can't remember where because I read so many posts and tried so many things.

I don't know what criteria Apple iTunes 11 is using to sync apps with iphone and ipad, but I don't think it is only with updated apps. I downloaded an app I didn't have in my iTunes Library, used it for a while, then updated it through Appstore in the iphone, and it was synced with iTunes...

Well, to transferr ALL your apps from iPhone or iPad to your iTunes Library do the following:

1. Conect your device to iTunes.

2. Click on the iPhone or iPad once it appears on the left.

(My iTunes is in Portuguese, so I don't know if the translation will be accurate, but I think it'll do)

3. Go to File > Devices > Transfers purchases from "name of your device"...

😎

It'll start transfering all apps from your iPhone or iPad to your iTunes Library!

Perfect solution for me - Thanks!

I'm experiencing this issue too for some weeks now, since upgrade to iOS 9.0.1 and have iTunes 12.3. I tried all the solutions above, but it doesn't seem to resolve this issue. I also tried something completely different, clicking the magic-button 'Reset Sync History' in Preferences > Devices, but that didn't change anything either. If somebody has another solution, and would like to share it, I would be very kind 🙂