Where does iTunes store/save iPhone Software updates or Firmware files on Windows & Mac

Software Update File_icon Are you confused as Where are iPhone firmware files stored on computer? then we’ve a prominent answer to it. The Apple Device Software Update File may be needed while jailbreaking or if you wish to move the iPhone OS file to other computer, to manually update or restore your Apple device like iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad.

Note – iPhone OS software updates are only stored on computer, when you update your idevice automatically using the Update process in iTunes.

How to Find iPhone OS software on Windows - First enable ‘Show hidden files and folders’ option from Folder options. Now open the directory as per your Windows:

Location on Windows 7 & Vista: C:\Users\User\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\iTunes\iPod Software Updates

Location on Windows XP: Documents and Settings\User\Application Data\Apple Computer\iTunes\iPhone Software Updates

You’ll now see iPhone/iPod/iPad Software Updates file with a .ipsw extension, if present.

How to Find iPhone OS software on Mac – iTunes saves the firmware file in hidden folder on Mac. To access firmware files, type the following command in terminal.

Open a Terminal and type: defaults write com.apple.finder AppleShowAllFiles TRUE then type killall Finder

Now navigate to usr/Library/iTunes/iPhone Software Updates/

You’ll now see iPhone/iPod/iPad Software Updates file with a .ipsw extension.

Also See: Where does iTunes Save iPhone/iPod Touch/iPad Apps on Windows & Mac

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Tagged as: Apple, files, firmware, iPad, iPhone, ipod touch, iTunes, MAC, Software, tips, tricks, update, windows

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{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }

Philip Lewis June 27, 2010 at 9:46 pm

When i get to the roaming folder on WINDOWS 7) i only get 3 options. macromedia. media center programs and Microsoft. not apple computer

Mayur June 27, 2010 at 11:13 pm: Check out in Local or LocalLow folder under AppData.

ss December 9, 2010 at 3:24 am

After I do that terminal thing in mac how do i make those weird folders dissapeear

John February 24, 2011 at 10:46 am: defaults write com.apple.finder AppleShowAllFiles FALSE

killall Finder

Aditya January 7, 2011 at 12:33 pm

Great article. Short and to the point. And very helpful.

Thanks man.

erik April 4, 2011 at 12:49 am

hey, do you know how to change the location of the folder?

Bsquidwrd April 4, 2011 at 11:44 pm

Actually for Mac I have found the firmwares without ever having to touch the Terminal. I just browse to /Users/USERNAME/Library/iTunes/iPod Software Updates and the most recent one is in there.

Matt June 4, 2011 at 12:35 am