File extension .IPSW
| Full Name | Developer | Category |
|---|---|---|
| IPhone, IPad Or IPod Touch Software Firmware Update Format | Apple | Misc Files |
An IPSW (iPod and iPhone Software Update File) is a type of file format specifically designed for the Apple iOS operating system and used to store software updates for iPods, iPhones, and other Apple mobile products. It is associated with the Apple iTunes software package – a suite of media management and playback tools compatible with Windows and Mac OS X. The file itself contains the iOS system software as well as the ARM instruction set used by the device. It usually contains instructions to be loaded onto the device's internal memory during an update process.
File Extension Formatting
The IPSW file has the universal .ipsw extension, and it is a digitally signed, proprietary binary format used by Apple to store iPod, iPhone, and other Apple device updates. It can generally be found within ipsw-[PRODUCT NAME]-[FULL VERSION] folders in the root directory of the hardware product being updated, or obtained directly from Apple. There are other related file types with similar names, such as APP (iOS Application Files), CODESIGNATURE (iOS Code Signature File), SHSH (iOS ECID SHSH Blob), and IMPB (iOS iBoot IMG3 File) - all of which are associated with Apple’s IPSW firmware release.
Installation Instructions
To install an IPSW update from a computer, users must have a compatible version of iTunes installed on their device. IPSW files are then selected via an iTunes app menu, which initiates the installation process to begin. Updates are sometimes manually triggered using the Check For Updates button available within iTunes menus; however, due to security measures universal iTunes downloads can only be applied to Apple-certified iOS systems.
After installing the required software, the operating system will usually automatically associate an unknown file type (in this case .IPSW) with the new application. If this does not happen, we can help the system a bit by selecting the software for it, which it should always use to open files with the .IPSW extension.
When choosing the software we can select the system to use this software every time.
Remember!
Using it for the first time it is good to check whether the .IPSW file opened in the application can be read by us and opens in a way that allows us to use it. If everything is in order, select this option the next time you open a file with the .IPSW extension. However, if the file has not opened correctly, we have to look for a different software, with which we can open files with the .IPSW extension. Select a different software from our list and install it on your computer. After the software is installed, repeat inspection openings of a .IPSW file. Sometimes you have to repeat the operation several times.
Other instructions
If none of the programs listed by us to work with the .IPSW file has not meet your expectations, you can try searching other websites. But remember to avoid downloading programs "that can open any file". These applications not only have very limited functionality, but may also expose you to expense tens of dollars when purchasing a license.
In the vast majority of cases you will find the program dedicated to support the .IPSW file, or any other file format. In addition, there is a chance that it will be a free program, and its functionality (concerning the .IPSW file) will be extended to the maximum.
It is also good to check
- if the .IPSW file has no errors
- or if it has been copied (or downloaded by the browser) thoroughly
Author’s guidelines
Mr B. Adam
Author of the guidelines / Founder of FileExtension.info
New technologies enthusiast, helping to solve problems with the files.
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