Deleting apps on iOS devices

[downingp]

I have noticed that if I delete an app on one of my iOS devices, I receive a notice warning me that all data will be deleted from the device. I was wondering, is there a way to delete an app, say within iTunes and not directly on the iOS device, and keep the data stored in backup? I ask this as I am running out of space on my iPad and don't want to delete any of my games in fear of losing my in-game progress. I figured down the road, if I ever wanted to play a previously deleted game, it would be nice if my save data was still available.

Thanks.

 

[moldy912]

Your computer keeps backups of your programs, .ips files I think. I'm pretty sure that if you delete the app, these files stay on your machine as long as you don't consolidate your iTunes library or delete them manually.

 

[chibiterasu]

There .IPA files but you were close enough lol, you could also do a backup of your iPad in iTunes which will do a back up of all files and settings including save files so you can always backup from that if worse came to worse.

 

[downingp]

I understand that a backup will store the app files as well as the data, but I don't want to have to restore an entire backup just to retrieve one app with a game save on it. Then, theoretically, if I have another game on my current iOS and backup to an older version that game will actually revert back to an old game save. Isn't there a better way?

 

[jav6454]

I have noticed that if I delete an app on one of my iOS devices, I receive a notice warning me that all data will be deleted from the device. I was wondering, is there a way to delete an app, say within iTunes and not directly on the iOS device, and keep the data stored in backup? I ask this as I am running out of space on my iPad and don't want to delete any of my games in fear of losing my in-game progress. I figured down the road, if I ever wanted to play a previously deleted game, it would be nice if my save data was still available.

Thanks.

Yes, unluckily if the game goes, so does your saved games and progress.

 

[andybrown44]

It's a shame more game makers don't use cloud data backup. I have a couple of games that either use their own servers and save your data linking it to Game Center, or just use iCloud to store game saves.