https://github.com/trackercontrol/platformcontrol-ios-downloader
Download iOS apps at scale
https://github.com/trackercontrol/platformcontrol-ios-downloader
Last synced: 10 months ago
JSON representation
Download iOS apps at scale
- Host: GitHub
- URL: https://github.com/trackercontrol/platformcontrol-ios-downloader
- Owner: TrackerControl
- License: gpl-3.0
- Created: 2020-04-16T09:48:30.000Z (about 6 years ago)
- Default Branch: master
- Last Pushed: 2023-03-20T17:52:35.000Z (about 3 years ago)
- Last Synced: 2025-08-15T10:51:15.791Z (10 months ago)
- Language: AutoHotkey
- Size: 19.5 KB
- Stars: 3
- Watchers: 3
- Forks: 3
- Open Issues: 0
-
Metadata Files:
- Readme: README.md
- License: LICENSE
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README
# PlatformControl App Store Downloader
*This project is part of PlatformControl: *
**Update: After our study, [a new tool](https://github.com/majd/ipatool) was released that makes downloading iOS apps even easier.**
This project helps you to download iOS apps at scale.
This is accomplished by an AutoHotkey script that clicks 'Download' in the iTunes Windows application for a list of apps.
At the same time, the script circumvents most pop-ups that occur during the download process at scale.
## Requirements
- A Windows computer
- An Apple account
It is advised to use a dedicated iTunes account for the downloading process.
## Setup
1. Install the latest [AutoHotkey](https://www.autohotkey.com/).
2. Install [iTunes 12.6.5.3](https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT208079).
3. Open iTunes, log in to your account; then, disable password for purchases in settings, and set language to English (UK).
4. Fill in your iTunes password into `instrumentor.ahk`, and change the variable `DownloadsDir` to reflect your iTunes media folder.
5. Add a list of URLs with apps to download to your `apps.txt`.
Note that some antivirus software classifies AutoHotkey as malware. AutoHotkey is usually safe, but use is at your own risk.
## Usage
Run `instrumentor.ahk`.
The apps in `apps.txt` will then be downloaded to your iTunes Media folder.
Depending on your internet connection, the downloading might be too quick or too slow for iTunes to handle. Change the `waitTime` variable in `instrumentor.ahk` to change the time (in milliseconds) to wait between trying to download different apps.
Sometimes, the downloading process gets stuck. To overcome this, you can add a link to the provided `autostart.bat` to your Windows autostart. This batch script restarts your machine and the downloading every hour.
## Citation
If you use this project as part of your academic studies, please kindly cite the below article:
```
@article{kollnig2022_iphone_android,
title={Are iPhones Really Better for Privacy? A Comparative Study of iOS and Android Apps},
author={Konrad Kollnig and Anastasia Shuba and Reuben Binns and Max {Van Kleek} and Nigel Shadbolt},
year={2022},
journal={Proceedings on Privacy Enhancing Technologies}
}
```
## License
This project is licensed under an MIT license.
*This product has not been endorsed or certified by Apple Inc. All rights regarding the name and brand iTunes and Apple belong to their owners. This project is solely for research purposes without any commercial affiliation.*