how do I update iPhone apps with new iTunes 12.7?

On a daily basis, I admit that I rarely add/delete apps.

But on the other hand, I went on a trip to Europe over the summer. I deleted almost all of my usual apps (~40) to make space for pictures/videos/offline content, and I downloaded probably 2 dozen new apps that were useful for travel, photography, etc. When I returned home, I had to change all of these apps again back to my usual setup. Such a task would be extraordinarily tedious if only doable through my iPhone app store interface.

Thanks for the apple feedback link, I will definitely be dropping them a note.

Take a look at How to check the storage on your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support. See a feature called Offload Unused Apps. You may never need to manually delete an app to reclaim storage again.

tt2

The limitation size applies to downloading more than 150mb of data via a cellular connection. Period.

If you are saying that yo do not have a Wifi connection on your iOS device, and if you want to download larger apps, then for the time being, you are going to have to go somewhere where there is a public Wifi connection. You can do this at the Apple Store, sometimes at your Library, maybe at a friend's house, a Hospital, Starbucks.

You are just downloading apps, so you aren't taking a huge risk in just doing that. Also, how often are you in a situation where you have to download a new iOS App that is over 150mb? Once a month? 50 times a day?

If your needs are such that you must download tons of apps that are over the 150mb limit, then you might want to look into getting Wifi for your home.

Considering that this issue affects more than a small slice of people, there is no reason to think that Apple isn't working on making this something that will be workable for everyone.

But for now - you have do download directly to your devcie, use the instructions to move apps that are already in your iTunes Library to your device via the instructions that have been provided several times, or be willing to make a few accommodations for those (hopefully) few large new apps that you absolutely must have.

GB

Did you see my post here? Re: how do I update iPhone apps with new iTunes 12.7?

It seems that Akira1138 has been able to bypass the iOS app size limitation in the past by letting their computer download the apps via the Personal Hotspot, and then syncing them with the library. Perversely this means they are likely to have needed more mobile data to download or update certain apps than they would use if the cap were not in place. More frustratingly right now, having upgraded to iTunes 12.7, the workaround is no longer present.

As you say, at this point, public Wi-Fi might be the only realistic option for larger downloads. Constructive criticism via Feedback - iPhone - Apple might also help, but can take time to yield results.

tt2

gail from maine wrote:

The limitation size applies to downloading more than 150mb of data via a cellular connection. Period.

That's what I thought at first, but I have downloaded app updates as large as 300 MB; the limitation appears to be only for downloading apps initially.

You are just downloading apps, so you aren't taking a huge risk in just doing that. Also, how often are you in a situation where you have to download a new iOS App that is over 150mb? Once a month? 50 times a day?

Actually, no risk, even over an unsecured WiFi hotspot. All communication between iOS and any Apple server (such as the app store) uses SSL encryption. Likewise for iCloud, and all apps that communicate with back end servers are required to use SSL. About the only risk is Safari, and you can avoid risk there by only visiting sites that use SSL. Almost all sites will now automatically, and the ones that don't you can usually force it by preceding the URL with "https://". If the site doesn't connect using https (SSL) then don't use it. And email; always configure your email accounts to use TLS (which is SSL by another name).

If your needs are such that you must download tons of apps that are over the 150mb limit, then you might want to look into getting Wifi for your home.

An easy way to do this is to get a wireless hotspot. I have one from my carrier. The device was free, although you may have to pay $50 or so depending on carrier. It shares my data plan, and costs an additional $20 a month. I have it even though I have the hotspot capability of my phone; it's just more convenient, and doesn't drain my phone battery. And it's battery is good for about 12 hours of continuous use.

Just to set the record straight, I don't like the fact that Apple removed app management from iTunes; I think it was a mistake. I used it regularly. So don't read a defense of Apple's decision into anything I post here (or elsewhere). If I post something it is to help find workarounds for this change in Apple policy.

Don't worry, I'm not making assumptions. I'm not enthralled by the change either, but I'm trying to suggest reasons to look at it positively where possible because staying put or going backwards is often impractical.

tt2

This is really unhelpful. As long as updating the iOS and storing backups remain available options within iTunes, then it makes sense to allow app updates via iTunes as well. However, now there is no central point from where we can handle all of our iPhone/iPad business. I commiserate with everyone disappointed by this.

I've added my thoughts via the apple feedback and thanks for the link in this thread. I'm just chucking in my thoughts here too to vent I guess. We've a plethora of apple products like most have mentioned and yes some are older and more than a little obsolete. Managed all through my desktop and iTunes - one place, all organised, old and new, sorted! Was about to add Apple music to the family sharing 'cos new pad and phone for kids needed. I don't want to give them my business.

No more Apple for me.

I used to use the Apps management feature on my iTunes application all the time. This was a MAJOR reason I have stayed loyal to Apple for so many years.

Now, since they took that out of iTunes - I will take Apple and iTunes out of my life and family's life too.

Vote with your pocket book - no more Apple for me!

dumpapple wrote:

No more Apple for me.

I used to use the Apps management feature on my iTunes application all the time. This was a MAJOR reason I have stayed loyal to Apple for so many years.

Now, since they took that out of iTunes - I will take Apple and iTunes out of my life and family's life too.

Vote with your pocket book - no more Apple for me!

Threats are meaningless here. We are only users like yourself, and have no vested interest in what you choose to buy or not to buy. Buy whatever devices meet your needs. Just be aware, that Apple is the only device manufacturer that ever let you manage apps on a computer. All other platforms have always required management of Apps on the devices they are for, and never from a computer.

I am so frustrated - I wish Apple would put the App support back into iTunes. I have stayed away from Android because I considered the App management feature (some apps like PDF reader you can add files to so you can view them when you have no coverage) a strategic competitive advantage over Android phones and now Apple has taken that functionality away.

No threats meant here; I was merely stating I didn't want an Apple which is exactly like an Android. I also don't want to use the MS Store to buy Apps for my Apple 😟

dumpapple wrote:

(some apps like PDF reader you can add files to so you can view them when you have no coverage) a strategic competitive advantage over Android phones and now Apple has taken that functionality away.

You can still transfer files to your iPhone using iTunes:

About File Sharing on iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support

kawh80 wrote:

If you restore a back up to a new device you still have to download everything onto that device.

That is not new. Apps have never been stored in a backup - purchased media always re-downloads if you restore from a backup. This has always been true of restoring from an iCloud backup, and has been true for iTunes backups since iOS 9.

GB

drlfromPA wrote:

Yes you needed to download the apps but not one at a time on multiple devices. All changes or downloads could be made once in iTunes then synced to as many devices as you have

That would be too simple and easy!!