The option to sync apps is no longer available in iTunes, though it used to be. Can anyone tell me how to access the sync apps button please?

Most of the APPS that I want on OSX as well as iOS are related to content, BBC player is an example, there are a dozen others. Anything to do with copyright is not available on OSX due in part to the various deals that have been done. Some allow access through a browser, BBC player does not. Another example of GEO copyright is "House Of Cards" from HBO, you can get it to play in iTunes on OSX, but try and get it on an iPad and you will fail, other HBO programs run OK on both. This is GEO BLOCKING at its worst.

Now to the original issue. Yes you are correct you can download a compatible version by going direct to the store, you get a dialogue box that gives you the option to do that, generally its the version you already have (so its a bit pointless). So one assumes if you use APPLY in iTunes running on OSX it will delete the version you have, so it will disappear off the iPad. It may install (yet to be confirmed) the latest version (iOS 7) of the APP on OSX, but it will go nowhere, as it will not run under OSX and will not reinstall on your iPad due to its version. At that point you have lost your APP (and all the Metadata) on your iPad. You then in theory can go to the APP store direct and install the compatible version. Next time you wish to sync, you will have to go through the same procedure. See, my point, is with a simple SYNC toggle button (as it used to be) you can bypass this event. Apple will continue to delete any APP (yes, under instructions) that has been retired by the copyright holder, even though you continue too reinstall it each time. My guess is that you are going to get very tired of doing that each time you want to sync other media, prompting you to eventually doing something about the version of your device, its a sneaky but effective method to force you to upgrade.

SUMMARY

Do not attempt to use iTunes to sync any of your other media as you will lose any retired APPS each time.

Go direct to the store if you wish to get a copy on another iOS device, thats clumsy but doable, providing you have the bandwidth and the extra time to repeat the download. IMHO iTunes is a mess and needs to be put out of its misery.

Thanks again Ckuan.

Ian.

Delete

Where is the Applications tab for your iPhone in iTunes.

I agree with you!