The old iTunes 12.6.3 for Apps?

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Level 1

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The old iTunes 12.6.3 for Apps?

I used iTunes for installing and managing the apps on my iPhone, for business purposes.

But now the most recent update of iTunes (12.7) "silently" removed the support to install and manage apps on a connected iPhone.

What is the solution, except managing apps via the air directly on the iPhone?

I have read in a press article that Apple would make available (again) the "old" iTunes 12.6.3 that still allows this functionality. Is that true? How can I revert to that older version?

iPhone 5s, iOS 11.0.2

Posted on Oct 10, 2017 6:22 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

javaliga

Level 10

120,229 points

Oct 10, 2017 7:37 AM in response to dirkvan

Yes, it is true:

iTunes 12.6.3 brings back App, Ringtone support

You can revert with one of the links in this article:

Deploy apps in a business environment with iTunes - Apple Support

Be aware that if you already upgraded to iTunes 12.7, you may have to restore your iTunes library from an earlier version.

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Answer 2

javaliga

Level 10

120,229 points

Oct 11, 2017 11:19 AM in response to dirkvan

See the "Restore your iTunes library" section in:

If you don't see your entire library after you update iTunes on your Mac or PC - Apple Support

or see turingtest2's reply (last page) to this thread:

The file "iTunes Library.itl" cannot be read because it was created with a newer version of iTunes

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Answer 3

dirkvan Author

Level 1

8 points

Oct 11, 2017 8:41 AM in response to javaliga

OK thanks.

I have now uninstalled 12.7 and installed 12.6.3 from the download.

I can now see the "Apps" tab again 🙂

But: I started iTunes on the most recent library (2017-09-26) I found in the folder "Previous iTunes Libraries". But I see no Apps in iTunes.

How can I bring my old library of Apps in there?

And also: if I now connect my iPhone to this new iTunes: will the apps be uploaded (from iPhone to PC) or will all my iPhone apps be removed from my iPhone? (obviously I do not want the latter!)

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Answer 4

Oct 10, 2017 7:35 AM in response to dirkvan

You get it from here:

Deploy apps in a business environment with iTunes - Apple Support

Keep in mind after installing that version if you in the future want to install a newer version you have to do so manually because you will never be reminded about a new version being available to install.

Removing app support was a really let say less smart move by Apple!😝

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