Dear Aunt TUAW: Help me skip my app update

Dear Aunt TUAW,

The latest update for Quickpick has removed a bunch of features -- particularly that "Actions cannot be launched directly from the Notification Center any more."

Well, crap. Do I update and lose features I want, or never use "update all" again?

*sigh*

Your loving nephew,

Tim

Dear Tim,

There are ways around upgrades, but they aren't convenient or fun, or very manageable over the long-term.

Basically, you can copy the original IPA (iOS application archive file) from the Mobile Applications folder in your iTunes library to keep on-hand for reversion. To revert, you delete the app on your devices and in the library, and then copy the original IPA back, then sync. That's a pain, especially if the app had had any important data stored in its Documents folder.

(If you accidentally upgraded, the original IPA is moved to the trash, you can recover it there.)

The other way -- just as painful -- is to update individual apps rather than the more convenient "update all," fixing your app at the current release. As you point out in your email, you lose any new features the app might offer in the future as well.

This is simply one of those can't-really-win-scenarios and Auntie sympathizes with your plight.

Hugs,

Auntie T.