Is there any way to update an iOS app on macOS that's been removed from the Mac App Store, but continues to receive updates on the iOS App Store?

[Boot_Leg]

To make it clear, some of the iOS apps I frequently use on my Mac were once available for M-chip macOS but have since been removed from the Mac App Store. After they were delisted, Mac versions no longer receive updates, leaving me stuck on the last version available from the Mac App Store. As a result, these apps have become outdated and increasingly difficult to use. Meanwhile, the iOS versions continue to be updated on the iOS App Store.

I’m wondering: is there any way I can update these official iOS apps on macOS to the latest version on the iOS App Store? I’ve tried alternative installation methods like PlayCover and Sideloadly, but all are highly unstable and unreliable, so I want to continue using MAS versions while receiving updates. Thank you!

 

[gilby101]

An example might help.

 

[Boot_Leg]

An example might help.

Some companies (yeah mostly those stinking moves are done by big ones rather than indie devs) choose to remove iOS versions of their apps from the Mac App Store after releasing “dedicated desktop versions” instead, and would want everyone to use the desktop versions of those apps rather than continue using the iOS port. But damn most of the time the iOS versions are much smoother and way more functional. Which is why I'm so keen to get the iOS versions back.

 

[BigBlur]

While probably not exactly the solution you're looking for, I just use iPhone Mirroring these days.

 

[Boot_Leg]

While probably not exactly the solution you're looking for, I just use iPhone Mirroring these days.

Me too. I use iPhone Mirroring heavily everyday.

 

[biker4mac]

Some companies (yeah mostly those stinking moves are done by big ones rather than indie devs) choose to remove iOS versions of their apps from the Mac App Store after releasing “dedicated desktop versions” instead, and would want everyone to use the desktop versions of those apps rather than continue using the iOS port.

I've been searching the forums for information on using iOS apps on M-chip Macs after recently updating from an Intel Mac to an M4 Mac. I'm a little surprised that there isn't more discussion. This was the only recent post I could find on the matter.

I'm just not a smartphone person, but it is definitely getting harder to exist without one. I spend much of my working day sitting at a computer and other than basic phone calls and texting I really have no need (or desire) to have full access when I'm away from the computer.

When I updated to the M4, I expected that it would solve a lot of my issues with mobile apps because I could just run them from my Mac. Not so... Two of the first I tried were the Microsoft Authenticator app for an email account I have to use for a commission I sit on and I was also looking into getting an Ecobee smart thermostat. Neither one allows the required app to be obtained from a Mac.

For the MS Authenticator app, the IT guy for the commission was able to disable the requirement for me. For the Ecobee system, it will allow you to access the thermostat from a browser, but to initially set up the account you need to do that through the mobile app. So I'll have to "borrow" someone with a smartphone to set up the account and then I should be able to do everything else by logging in through my browser.

I understand certain apps needing the GPS or gestures or motion sensors or whatever... But neither of these apps have anything that specifically requires a smartphone rather than a computer. I just find it ridiculous.