To put more focus on music, movies, and TV shows, Apple had removed app management feature from iTunes 12.7 version last year. Following the widespread disappointment, the tech giant had to release iTunes 12.6.3 as an alternative to let users sync apps. Unfortunately, macOS Mojave no longer supports this old iTunes version. That means you will have to find another way to backup and install your iPhone or iPad apps from Mac or Windows PC without iTunes.
iOS 11 or later lets you delete apps without having to delete the documents and data. So, you can keep your important data secure without needing to keep the apps on your device. It’s a better way to free up plenty of space on the iOS device.
However, some of you may want to backup iOS apps on your computer the old-fashioned way. Personally; I still like to go through this traditional method for more flexibility. It also helps me add another layer of safeguard for my favorite apps. If you are like me, the following tutorial is for you!
How to Back up and Install iPhone and iPad Apps on Mac or Windows PC Without iTunes
There are several third-party iPhone managers that allow you to manage apps with ease. One of the best iTunes alternatives that I’ve tried and found quite helpful is iMazing. You can use this tool to backup your entire apps and restore them to your device without any hassle. It’s compatible with both macOS and Windows. It supports iOS 12 and is available for free.
Backup iPhone or iPad Apps on Mac/Windows Computer Using iMazing
Note: In the following walk-through, I’m going to demonstrate the steps on Mac. The steps are the same for Windows PC. So, you won’t have any problem in getting your work done.
Step #1. First off, download iMazing on your computer. And then, connect your iPhone or iPad to the computer using Lightning cable.
Step #2. Now, launch iMazing on your computer and click on Apps.
On the next screen, you should see all the apps you have installed on your iPhone. Next, select the apps you want to backup and then click on Copy to Mac at the bottom.
Step #3. Next up, select the destination where you want to save your app data and click on Choose.
Step #4. Up next, the app will ask for your confirmation to let it extract the app data. Click on OK in the message.
Step #5. Now, you should see another message saying, “To extract app data, iMazing needs to backup your device.”
You have two options: Back Up Now or Extract Data from Current Backup. Click on Back Up Now.
Step #6. The app will start extracting the app data. Once the process is completed, click on Clear to finish.
Now that you have successfully backed up your apps, you will be able to install them on your iOS device whenever you want.
Install iPhone or iPad Apps from Mac/Windows Computer Using iMazing
Step #1. Connect your iPhone to the computer and then launch iMazing on your computer and then click on Apps.
Note: Ensure that you have turned off Find My iPhone else you won’t be able to install the apps from your computer. Settings → Your name → iCloud → Find My iPhone and then turn off the switch.
Step #2. Now, click on Copy to Device.
Step #3. Next, head over to the folder where you have stored the data of your apps and choose the app you want to install on your iOS device and then click on Select.
Step #5. Up next, you should see a message reading, “iMazing will restore application data and reboot your device. Restore now?” Click on Continue.
Step #6. Now, iMazing will start installing the apps on your iOS device.
You will be asked to authenticate using your Apple ID password. In the end, your device will reboot. And once it’s restarted, the apps will be on your Home screen.
The free imazing version of the app has some limitations. For instance, it lets you transfer a limited number of items like media: 50, call history: 5, messages: 10 etc. If you ever want to unlock all the features, you can upgrade to the Full Version. The starting price of the software is around $45 for one computer.
That’s pretty much it!
Wrapping up:
Though I want iTunes to be more focused on music, I would appreciate if it continued to be a full-fledged iPhone manager. What’s your take on it?
You might want to read these posts as well:
Author
🗣️ Our site is supported by our readers like you. When you purchase through our links, we earn a small commission. Read Disclaimer.