iTunes 12.7.2 no longer has Apps tab. How do I manage apps now?

Yes, this change is unfortunate. One has to download apps directly to each device which is a pain.

See this for all that has changed: Changes in the new iTunes - Apple Support

Note: It is possible to install an older version: Deploy apps in a business environment with iTunes - Apple Support

But it's not clear as to if that older version will be maintaned. I accepted the changes and just use the new version myself. I did provide feedback to Apple on the use-cases in why having app management again would be a good thing. Perhaps you can provide feedback as well.

Yeah,

This started with iTunes version 12.7.

I waited until Apple finally acquiesced an offer one more iTunes update to version 12.6, 12.6.3.

I opted to use iTunes 12.6.3 and even works with my wife's new iPhone SE.

iTunes 12.6.3 still saves apps.

Not sure how you would go back to iTunes 12.6.3 from 12.7, though.

I have multiple drives with multiple iTunes libraries on Mac OS versions, so, I have a lot of dats flexibility. I could easlity revert from 12.7 back to 12.6.3 when I realised what happened with app backups no longer happening in iTunes 12.7.

as_909 wrote:

Yes, this change is unfortunate. One has to download apps directly to each device which is a pain.

What if the app isn't universal for both iPhone and iPad.

You end up paying to only having one version for each device. No way to save or download a duplicate version to another iDevice. Especially, if these apps are iOS 10/11 only and can’t download an older version to an older iDevice.

Apple made a HUGE mistake by taking out app backups out of iTunes 12.7.

There exists no software more cludgy or complicated than Apple software.

Yes they did!

Seems so many big companies are taking giant leaps backwards.

Apple is just one of the latest to fall.

SO sad because I have always supported them.

This is a terribly unfortunate step backward. 😟