macnn
07/23/2008, 5:55pm, EDT
Wednesday, July 23rd
Workaround lets iPhone users share apps
Developer Melvin Rivera has posted a workaround for sharing iPhone apps on his All Forces blog. The simple workaround takes advantage of Apple's Fairplay, which allows users to sync up to five computers with each iTunes account, along with unlimited iPhones and iPods. Although the process is initially time consuming -- and maybe a bit confusing -- it's simply a matter of syncing an iPhone with a computer that is registered to use both iTunes accounts.
Rivera says the idea was born of frustration when he couldn't share iPhone apps with his wife because they have separate iTunes accounts -- or so he thought. Rivera claims the workaround allows a perfectly legal exchange of apps between two iPhones. He says it should work on Windows machines, although he hasn't tried it.
Rivera posted step-by-step instructions on his blog, showing how he successfully shared apps between two first-generation iPhones upgraded to version 2.0. Theoretically, the process should work just as easily with the iPhone 3G and iPod touch.
Filed under: developer, iPhone apps
Other story tags: iTunes, FairPlay
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Is there a better way?
Maybe I'm missing something, but why not just go to ~/Music/iTunes/Mobile Applications on the first computer and copy the applications to the second computer?
As long as you log in with the correct iTunes account info into iTunes running on the second computer, you should be able to copy the applications to the additional iPhone.
Just Authorize...
Just authorize the other computer (up to 5 max). No need to login to same account. Exactly the same method as with music or other media.
Just Authorize...
Just authorize the other computer (up to 5 max). No need to login to same account. Exactly the same method as with music or other media.
(the update mechanism, however, does seem to need a login - or, just replace the app on that machine from one that is logged in)
workaround = theft
What makes this guy think the license allows him to install the software he bought on more than one iPhone?