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I just tried this just now and it worked.

Make sure you have Wi-Fi syncing disabled. The right moment to unplug is right when the iTunes screen says it's syncing.

Just unplugged at 1 of 6 synching steps. iTunes kept trying to sync, at some point I cancelled. I plugged the phone back and the app was still synched :(
 
I unchecked Sync Apps, and whenever I install a new app on the phone, next time I sync it transfers just the new apps to the computer... :confused:
 
I unchecked Sync Apps, and whenever I install a new app on the phone, next time I sync it transfers just the new apps to the computer... :confused:

it will always sync purchases, what I do to save space, is let whatever apps transfer to my iTunes library, then just delete them in Finder, but have it still "exist" in my iTunes library. I do this everytime I get a new or updated app.
 
This worked for me.

What worked for me was to setup my device for wifi sync first. Make sure under the edit menu and preferences / devices (this is important) that you have it set to prevent automatic sync. Right click on the device in the left pane of itunes and reset all warnings. Have the cable disconnected but the device still visible via wifi. Uncheck sync apps, then ok the warning about removing the apps from the device. Then click "summary" and uncheck sync over wifi then apply in the lower right.

Now reconnect via cable turn wifi sync back on and sync your device via wifi or cable doesn't matter which. Now disconnect the cable, goto apps in iTunes and delete all apps. Ok the warning about removing the apps from the device. Goto summary and uncheck sync via wifi and click apply in the lower right. Then you can reconnect with your usb cable and turn on sync via wifi again.

At this point a popup will tell you that there are apps that you need to transfer to iTunes or they will be removed from your device. Check don't show this again and then click don't transfer. Now you can go into edit and preferences under General and uncheck apps altogether if you want the iTunes apps folder to go away as well.


I did this with both my iPhone and iPad2 and I still have my apps on them.

Good Luck.
 
as of iTunes 10.6, when you uncheck "sync apps" you can choose to remove apps or keep them. thank you Apple, better late than never!
 
A solution I saw at about.com seems to work for me

1. Before you plug the iPhone or iPod into the computer, go to iTunes.

2. On a Mac, go to the iTunes menu -> Preferences -> Devices.
On a PC, go to Edit -> Settings -> Devices

3. In the pop up window, look for the icon or tab that says Devices. Choose it.

4. Just below the box, you’ll see a checkbox reading "Prevent iPods, iPhones, and iPads from syncing automatically."

5. Check it and click OK at the bottom of the window.

Auto-sync is now turned off and you’re safe to plug your iPod or iPhone into the computer.
 
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