.ipa files
.ipa file
iOS Application Archive
An iPhone or iPad app package — installable only through Apple-sanctioned channels.
What opens a .ipa file
- Windows
- 7-Zip (to inspect contents), iMazing (to install to a device)
- macOS
- Apple Configurator, iMazing, Archive Utility (built in, to inspect)
- Linux
- unzip (to inspect contents)
What a .ipa file is
An IPA is a ZIP archive containing a compiled iOS app bundle. Apple's code signing means you cannot simply double-click one to install it: it has to be delivered through the App Store, Apple Configurator, TestFlight, or an enterprise or developer signing profile. Renaming it to .zip lets you browse the contents, which is all a normal computer can usefully do with one.
Converting it
A .ipa file is commonly converted to .zip. It is a binary format, so a text editor will show unreadable characters rather than its contents.
Details
- Extension
- .ipa
- Full name
- iOS Application Archive
- Category
- Programs and installers
- Created by
- Apple
- Format
- Binary
Common questions
- How do I open a .ipa file?
- On Windows use 7-Zip (to inspect contents); on macOS use Apple Configurator; on Linux use unzip (to inspect contents). An iPhone or iPad app package — installable only through Apple-sanctioned channels.
- What is a .ipa file?
- iOS Application Archive. An IPA is a ZIP archive containing a compiled iOS app bundle. Apple's code signing means you cannot simply double-click one to install it: it has to be delivered through the App Store, Apple Configurator, TestFlight, or an enterprise or developer signing profile.
- Can I convert a .ipa file?
- Yes. It is usually converted to .zip, either by exporting from one of the programs listed above or with a format converter.
Related pages
- .exe — Windows Executable A Windows program. It runs code, which is why it is also the classic way to get
- .apk — Android Application Package An Android app installer — a zip of code and resources.
- .msi — Windows Installer Package A structured Windows installer that the OS installs and can cleanly uninstall.
- .dll — Dynamic Link Library Shared Windows code that programs load — not something you open or run.
- .sh — Shell Script A text file of Unix shell commands, run by bash, zsh or sh.
- .deb — Debian Software Package The installer format for Debian, Ubuntu and their derivatives.
- .jar — Java Archive A zip of compiled Java classes — a library, or a runnable program.
- .bat — Windows Batch File A plain-text list of Command Prompt commands that runs when you double-click it.
- .pkg — macOS Installer Package A macOS installer that runs a guided setup, rather than a drag-and-drop app.
- .ps1 — PowerShell Script A script for Windows PowerShell — Microsoft's modern automation shell.
- .rpm — RPM Package The installer format for Fedora, Red Hat, openSUSE and their relatives.
- .appimage — AppImage Portable Application A whole Linux application in one file that runs without being installed.
Sources
- Media Types Registry — IANA
- Official vendor product documentation — At One Place