What is an IPA File?

The file extension .ipa stands for “iOS App Store Package”. IPA files are application archives that contain a compressed iOS app.

It is comparable to a ZIP file that is a compressed archive for all kind of files. But unlike a ZIP file, IPA files cannot be opened on a computer. It is neither possible to use them on an Android device. Only iOS devices like iPhones, iPods, or iPads can handle IPA files.

When users download an app from the App Store, they actually download an IPA file. As soon as the download is finished, the device automatically unpacks the file and installs the app.

The IPA file’s counterpart on Android is the APK file.