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flextnet
Inspiring
December 14, 2011
Answered

How to install ipa update without destroying user data

  • December 14, 2011
  • 3 replies
  • 2858 views

Hi - hopefully this is an easy one...

I'm getting near the end of my iPad app development... at this point I can store files locally on the iPad from my AIR app.

But everytime I make a change to the app and republish the ipa, the only way I know how to get it on my iPad is to delete the app on the iPad, then install the new version through iTunes. This works, but it blows away any locally saved 'user' files.

So how can i put a new ipa update on the device without losing stored data, similar to downloading an update from the app store?

Thanks

This topic has been closed for replies.
Correct answer flextnet

Ok got it... I just had to delete the app from under Apps in iTunes, then drop in the new ipa. I knew it would be something dumb I wasn't doing. Thanks

3 replies

F
flextnetAuthorCorrect answer
Inspiring
December 15, 2011

Ok got it... I just had to delete the app from under Apps in iTunes, then drop in the new ipa. I knew it would be something dumb I wasn't doing. Thanks

P
Piotr_Koscierzynski
Participating Frequently
December 15, 2011

You need to increase version number of you application. Edit application descriptor xml and change value in <versionNumber> tag.

Example:

<versionNumber>1.0.0</versionNumber>

to

<versionNumber>1.5.0</versionNumber>

Generate a new ipa and iTunes should treat it as an update.

F
flextnetAuthor
Inspiring
December 15, 2011

Thanks Piotr, I tried that but what is the process with iTunes with an update? I drop the updated ipa onto iTunes like I usually do, but when I do the sync, iTunes doesn't seem to update my app. The only way I can get the new app onto the device is to delete the app first.

Colin Holgate
Colin Holgate
Inspiring
December 15, 2011

Things like splash screens don't get updated unless you remove the app from the device, but the rest of the app should be the updated one.

Colin Holgate
Colin Holgate
Inspiring
December 14, 2011

Why not just don't delete the old app as you install the update?

F
flextnetAuthor
Inspiring
December 14, 2011

That's what I'd like to do, but I'm just fumbling through iTunes - I drop the new ipa into my 'Apps' (under library), then go to my device to Sync, but it never installs the new version. It seems to think I'm already 'synced', even though the ipa is new. I must be missing something basic. Also, the ipa is in 'Quick publishing for device testing mode'... Perhaps it needs to be published for Ad-hoc distribution?

-rich

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