File extension

.ipa

iOS App Store Package

.ipa files are iOS application archives: ZIP-based packages containing a signed app bundle for installation on iPhone, iPad, and other Apple devices.

Known meanings

Formats and reference material for .ipa

iOS App Store Package

ZIP archive containing a signed iOS/iPadOS app bundle

  • binaries archive
  • Apple
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Details

Format notes

IPA

An IPA (iOS App Store Package) is the archive format Apple uses to distribute apps for iOS, iPadOS and related platforms. It is a ZIP file, so it starts with the PK signature and can be unpacked with ordinary ZIP tools.

Structure

The archive normally contains a top-level Payload/ directory holding the app bundle, a folder named <AppName>.app. Inside the bundle are the executable (a Mach-O binary), Info.plist describing the app, resources such as storyboards, images and localizations, and a _CodeSignature/ directory. Packages may also include additional top-level items depending on how the archive was produced.

Distribution

IPAs are produced by Xcode when archiving and exporting an app. Apple requires code signing and provisioning: apps are signed with a certificate and tied to a provisioning profile, which determines whether the build may run on development devices, ad hoc devices, enterprise-managed devices, or be submitted to App Store Connect and TestFlight. Unsigned or improperly signed IPAs do not install on stock devices.

Preservation And Security Notes

Apps downloaded from the App Store are encrypted with FairPlay, so the executable of a store IPA is not directly readable. For archiving, keep the source project and signing configuration, since an old IPA may stop installing once its certificates or profiles expire. IPAs from unofficial sources can be modified and should not be installed without verification.

Further Reading

  • Distributing apps for beta testing and releases: https://developer.apple.com/documentation/xcode/distributing-your-app-for-beta-testing-and-releases
  • Bundle resources: https://developer.apple.com/documentation/bundleresources
  • Code signing: https://developer.apple.com/support/code-signing/