ipatool
Search and download iOS App Store IPA packages from the command line
TLDR
SYNOPSIS
ipatool *command* [*options*]
DESCRIPTION
ipatool is a command-line client for the iOS (and tvOS) App Store. After authenticating with Apple ID credentials, you can search the store, purchase apps when needed, and download .ipa packages for devices or tooling workflows. It is commonly used for automation, archiving, and reverse-engineering research—not as a substitute for official App Store installation on a phone.Global options control output format and interactivity. Subcommands cover auth, search, download, purchase, and related operations; run ipatool *command* --help for full flags.
PARAMETERS
auth login | auth info | auth revoke
Manage App Store session credentials.search *term*
Search iOS/tvOS apps. -l, --limit caps results; --platform selects iphone, ipad, or appletv.download
Download an IPA (typically -b / --bundle-identifier). See --help for version and output options.purchase
Purchase an app so it can be downloaded with the current account.--format *text*|*json*
Output format (default: text).--non-interactive
Do not prompt; fail if input would be required.--verbose
Verbose logging.-h, --help
Help for the command or subcommand.
INSTALL
CAVEATS
Requires a valid Apple ID and compliance with Apple's terms. Some apps are region-locked, paid, or refuse bulk download. IPAs obtained this way are not sideloadable onto stock iOS without additional signing tooling. Do not use for piracy.
SEE ALSO
ideviceinstaller(1), ios-deploy(1)
