Install IPA with iTunes 12

Question

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.

iTunes 12.7 ( Xcode needed )

You cannot install a release ipa directly on your device. Ipa generated withAppStore Distribution Profile requires to be distributed from App Store or TestFlight. However, I found that app panel was removed even for installing ad hoc ipa from iTunes 12.7. I found a workaround to install ad-hoc apps which might help to them who cannot install even ad hoc ipa. Please follow the instructions below,

1. Connect your device
2. Open Xcode and go to Window -> Devices
3. Select the connected device from left panel
4. Brows the IPA from Installed Apps -> + button
5. Wait few seconds and its done!

From iTunes 12.7 apple removes App Store, So we unable to for find App option

We have another way to install iOS app using iTunes 12.7 as below

1)drag and drop your .app file to iTunes.

2)It will create .ipa file, you can find that at ~/Music/iTunes/iTunes Media/Mobile Applications/

3)connect the device you want to install that app.

4)drag .ipa file from finder to iTunes on my Device section as shown in below section.

I don't remember this being very difficult with iTunes 12, but at least for iTunes 12.8 (and likely for the previous couple of minor versions also) it's pretty straightforward even though the Apps button is not there, as demonstrated in the below two steps:

1. While your device is connected to your laptop/desktop click the device icon on iTunes 12.8:

2. Drag your .ipa file from Finder or Desktop and drop it into the "On My Device" area.

Wait for the sync to finish and the app is on your device!

For newest iTunes 12.7 and above can easily install IPA by copy and paste

1. Select and copy your .ipa (cmd+c or ctrl+c)
2. Connect phone to laptop
3. Open iTunes and select your device tab on top left of iTunes
4. Select the music tab
5. Paste the ipa (cmd+v or ctrl+v) not drag

In my case Drag & Drop didn't work.

1. I had to first Sync iTunes with the iOS device (Sync button on the bottom right)
2. I had to add the IPA file through iTunes menu bar: File -> Add to Library...
3. I had to press the "Install" button for my app in the "Apps" screen
4. I had to press the "Apply" button on the bottom right

Edit: See Jayprakash Dubey's answer for iTunes 12.7

---

From the menu shown in the following screenshot, choose Apps. You can drag and drop you IPA file in the next view.

After that, go to your device's page, you'll see the list of apps, install your app and press Apply from the bottom bar.