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IPA File Format
A IPA archive is the de facto way to package applications for iOS. The extension has no official definition, but is commonly called iPhone Application by the iOS community. The file is just a renamed ZIP archive. Although any computer with a ZIP archive reader can extract an IPA, PNG images (e.g. the app's icon files) are typically in a proprietary variant of the PNG format instead of the standardized PNG format, and the application binary is encrypted (DRM) which hinders the ability to examine the binary.
Contents
As an IPA file is just a renamed ZIP archive, its structure is available from PKWARE.
- iTunesArtwork
- iTunesMetadata.plist
- Payload/
- ApplicationName.app/
- (various application files)
- ApplicationName.app/
Usage
Apple uses the IPA format for packaging iOS aplications. iTunes can be used to install their contents on a device, provided the included files are signed. Developers can use the IPA format for Ad Hoc Distribution of their apps.
Creation
IPA files are typically created through Xcode, but may be created manually:
- Build application
- Locate the
.app
folder - Create a folder named
Payload
- Place your
.app
folder in it - Create a 512x512 JPEG version of your icon
- Save it as
iTunesArtwork
(no extension) - Create your
iTunesMetadata.plist
and save it - "ZIP" the contents
iTunesArtwork
iTunesMetadata.plist
Payload/