Install IPA with iTunes 12

Question

I have an IPA signed for ad-hoc distribution. I can install it fine with Flash Builder. I'd like to install a release version via iTunes 12, though. Dragging it onto:

• The device name
• The app section
• The app list
• The Home Screens section

...does not work? Does anyone have any idea how to do this with the new iTunes 12?

Answer 1

Note : If you are using iTunes 12.7.0 or above then use Solution 2 else use Solution 1. Solution 1 cannot be used with iTunes 12.7.0 or above since Apps section has been removed from iTunes by Apple

Solution 1 : Using iTunes 12.7 below

Tested on iTunes 12 with Mac OS X (Yosemite) 10.10.3

Also, tested on iTunes 12.3.2.35 with Mac OX X (El Capitan) 10.11.3

This process also applicable for iTunes 12.5.5 with Mac OS X (macOS Sierra) 10.12.3.

You can install IPA file using iTunes 12.x onto device using below steps :

1. Drag-and-drop IPA file into 'Apps' tab of iTunes BEFORE you connect the device.
2. Connect your device
3. Select your device on iTunes
4. Select 'Apps' tab

5. Search app that you want to install

6. Click on 'Install' button. This will change to 'Will Install'

7. Click on 'Apply' button on right corner. This will initiate process of app installation. You can see status on top of iTunes as well as app on device.

8. You can allow new apps to install automatically by enabling checkmark present at bottom.

Solution 2 : Using iTunes 12.7 and above

You can use diawi for this purpose.

1. Open https://www.diawi.com/ in desktop/system browser

2. Drag-and-drop IPA file in empty window. Make sure that last check mark are unselected (recommended due to security concern)

3. Once the upload is completed then press Send button

4. This will generate a link and QR code as well. (You can share this link and QR code with Client)

5. Now open Safari browser in iPhone device and enter this link (Note that link is case-sensitive) OR You can scan the QR using Bakodo iOS app

6. Once link is loaded you can see app details

7. Now select ‘Install application’

8. This will prompt an alert asking permission for installation. Press on Install.

9. Now you can see the app installation begins on screen.