ipatool CLI
ipatool is a CLI with local MCP that separates license acquisition from metadata inspection and account-authorized downloads.
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Extended access
Why this level
- The tool uses an authenticated Apple Account and can acquire app licenses on its behalf.
Install
In your terminal, with SkillFoxx CLI
npx skillfoxx add cli/ipatoolDetects the agents on your machine, shows the access level and pins the version.
Other ways to install
Access and checks
How we reviewExtended accessThe tool runs code or makes network calls and only reads external data.
- The tool uses an authenticated Apple Account and can acquire app licenses on its behalf.
This is third-party code. Review the repository files before installing.
What it does
ipatool is a command-line tool for App Store searches and package downloads. Users can list available versions, inspect release metadata and view apps owned by their account. It supports IPA packages and macOS PKG downloads. An App Store-ready Apple Account is required. After terminal authentication, `ipatool mcp` exposes tools over local MCP. JSON output and non-interactive execution support scripts; obtaining an app license is a separate operation that requires checking the account and target app.
Who it is for. Mobile engineers inspecting App Store metadata and downloading packages available to their account.
Good fit when
- An engineer finds an App Store listing to inspect its metadata.
- Before downloading, a user reviews available versions and release details.
- Account-authorized packages are downloaded with repeatable test commands.
- After terminal sign-in, an agent connects to App Store tools through local MCP.
Not a fit when
- You need an app unavailable to the account.
- You need an App Store Connect publishing system.
- Automation must run without first configuring authentication.
Example request
Find an app by name and show available versions without acquiring or downloading anything.Limitations
An Apple Account already configured for the App Store is required; available apps depend on that account. The CLI is interactive by default, so automation must explicitly select `--non-interactive` and the desired output format. Enter the Apple Account password during terminal sign-in; a keychain passphrase unlocks the credential store. Keep both out of agent chats and logs. License acquisition changes the account’s purchases, so agree on the app and action before running it.
How to disable. Stop the MCP process and remove its client entry. If account access is no longer needed, run `ipatool auth revoke` before uninstalling the program to revoke its App Store credentials.
FAQ
Is an Apple Account required?
Yes, configured for the App Store. Authenticate in a terminal first.
How do I connect MCP?
After `ipatool auth login`, configure `ipatool mcp` using the documented JSON.
Is JSON output supported?
Yes. Select `--format json` for machine-readable results.
Why is a script waiting for input?
The CLI is interactive by default. Check authentication and use `--non-interactive` in automation.
Is it limited to IPA?
No. macOS PKG packages are also supported. Check the target app platform.
Discussion
No questions or reviews yet.
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README in short
Help separates search, purchases, version metadata and downloads into distinct commands. Prebuilt releases are available for Linux and Windows.