Q: can I roll back updated apps? iOS?

You cannot downgrade iOS. Apple does not support that.

Once you have updated an app, there is not a method to get the old one back, since it would update both on the device and in iTunes.

You can revert to older versions of apps if you still have them on your PC/Mac. Speaking on the Mac side of things, when apps are updated in iTunes, the old version gets put into the "trash" when the updated version replaces it. The stipulation is that the older version needs/needed to exist on the Mac/PC in iTunes for it to get "trashed". If you don't empty your trash frequently, it may still be there. To use it again on your device, move it out of the trash to somewhere like an "archive" folder that you create. Next, go back into iTunes and delete the newer version that was installed there. Drag the older version from the archive back into iTunes, then connect your device and sync the app back over.

I do this all the time and keep older versions of apps at my disposal since many "updated" apps are worse than what they replace.

As far as reverting to an older iOS version, no. Apple doesn't allow it.

That is true, as updating the app on the computer in iTunes will put the old version in the Recycle Bin. I forgot about that. I suppose that you could replace that file and restore the phone. Thanks for the reminder, however we are not sure what computer OS this OP is using.

ChrisJ4203 wrote:

 

I suppose that you could replace that file and restore the phone.

A restore is not required.

1. Delete the "new" app from the device (you will lose your saved data for the app)

2. Delete the "new" app from iTunes.

3. Drag the trashed "old" app back to iTunes

4. Connect the device to iTunes

5. Select the device, then select Apps

6. Select the "old" app to install to the device and click the "Install" button which will change to "Will Install"

7. Sync the device

EDIT: I forgot to add that the apps themselves are suffixed with an .ipsw (iPod software). You'll need to identify the app's name on your own.

Great information. I've never tried it, but I know that I have noticed that not only are the previous versions of apps placed in the Recycle Bin, so are other updated files.

SergZak wrote:

 

EDIT: I forgot to add that the apps themselves are suffixed with an .ipsw (iPod software). You'll need to identify the app's name on your own.

Correction...the suffix is .ipa (iPod application)

Without a backup on a computer, there really isn't anything that I am aware of that you can do. Installing iTunes and backing up the phone now won't do, since the phone does not contain the old versions now. iCloud backups do not allow for accessing the files like you can go to the files in iTunes for apps. That is the way it is.

kateamonsta wrote:

 

ok, like i said, I'm new to this iTunes stuff, if inwere to back up my iPad mini 2 to iTunes, is it only saved on my pc or is there a cloud or server back up as well? also can iTunes back ups be done wirelessly or must I connect via usb? also, instead of answering all my mundane questions is there somewhere where I can find a tutorial or FAQ's? thanks again

As far as being backed up to the computer and/or cloud, that is up to you and how you have it configured. If you have it configured in iTunes to backup to the computer, that is where the backup is. You connect the device and backup and sync. If you want a cloud backup, then you need to configure to backup to the cloud. You can configure that on the phone, and it will do it automatically when you connect the phone to power and lock the screen. Generally what you do overnight when you go to bed. I'll attach a couple of support documents that discuss backups, but you ask about FAQ, there are support document available when you click on the Support link from the Apple page. You can search for most anything.

iCloud: iCloud storage and backup overview

About backups in iCloud and iTunes - Apple Support

How to back up your devices using iCloud or iTunes - Apple Support