What is IPA?

IPA (iOS App Store Package) files are ZIP archives containing iOS/iPadOS applications. Structure includes: compiled ARM binary, Info.plist metadata, app icons, localized resources, frameworks, and provisioning profile. IPA files are actually .zip files renamed to .ipa - you can unzip them to inspect contents. Apps are code-signed with Apple certificates and must pass App Store review or use enterprise distribution. Installed via App Store, Xcode, or Mobile Device Management (MDM) systems.

IPA is the universal format for all iOS apps - from system apps to third-party applications. Distributed through App Store (over 2 million apps), TestFlight (beta testing), Apple Business Manager (enterprise apps), and ad-hoc distribution (limited devices). Developers use Xcode to build IPA files. Enterprise organizations deploy custom IPA files via MDM solutions like Jamf or Microsoft Intune. Side-loading IPA files requires jailbreak or developer account. Universal IPAs contain binaries for all iPhone/iPad variants.

Did you know? IPA files are just ZIP archives - rename to .zip to explore contents!

History

Apple introduced the IPA format with the App Store launch in 2008, creating a standardized distribution method for iOS applications.

Key Milestones

  • 2008: App Store launch with IPA
  • 2010: iPad support (Universal apps)
  • 2014: TestFlight acquisition
  • 2015: App thinning introduced
  • 2020: Apple Silicon iPhone apps
  • Present: 2M+ apps in App Store

Key Features

Core Capabilities

  • Code Signing: Apple certificate verification
  • App Thinning: Device-specific variants
  • Universal Binaries: All device support
  • Provisioning: Distribution profiles
  • Sandboxing: Security isolation
  • Metadata: Info.plist configuration

Common Use Cases

App Store

Public app distribution

TestFlight

Beta testing

Enterprise

Corporate apps (MDM)

Ad-Hoc

Limited device deployment

Advantages

  • Universal iOS/iPadOS distribution
  • Strong security (code signing)
  • App Store review quality
  • App thinning (smaller downloads)
  • Enterprise deployment support
  • Automatic updates via App Store
  • Universal binary support

Disadvantages

  • iOS/iPadOS-only (not cross-platform)
  • Requires Apple Developer account
  • Strict App Store review process
  • Limited side-loading (no jailbreak)
  • Code signing requirements
  • Cannot inspect encrypted binaries

Technical Information

Format Specifications

Specification Details
File Extension .ipa
Base Format ZIP archive
Executable ARM binary (Mach-O)
Structure Payload/ folder with .app bundle
Metadata Info.plist, iTunesMetadata.plist
Architecture arm64, armv7 (legacy)

Common Tools

  • Development: Xcode, Swift Package Manager
  • Distribution: App Store Connect, TestFlight
  • Enterprise: Apple Business Manager, MDM solutions (Jamf, Intune)
  • Installation: Apple Configurator, Xcode Devices window