Syncing existing apps to new iPad 2

Article

Syncing existing apps to new iPad 2

Ask iLounge offers readers the opportunity to get answers to their iPod-, iPhone-, iPad-, iTunes-, or Apple TV-related questions from a member of the iLounge editorial team. We'll answer several questions here each week, and of course, you can always get help with more immediate concerns from the iLounge Discussion Forums. Submit your questions for consideration using our Ask iLounge Submit Form. We reserve the right to edit questions for grammar, spelling, and length.

View the complete Ask iLounge archives...

Q: I have an iPhone 4 and just purchased an iPad 2. How can I have the same apps on both the iPhone and iPad without having to purchase the apps again? Where can I find out how to sync both units but be able to keep them separate from one another.

- Austin

A: In terms of syncing both your iPhone 4 and your iPad 2, this is really just as simple as plugging the iPad 2 into the same iTunes library. iTunes treats each iPod, iPhone and iPad as a separate device and maintains distinct settings for them automatically, so you can choose how you want to manage the content for each device individually and can even connect and sync them to your computer at the same time.

The easiest way to use your apps on both devices is to ensure that they are in your iTunes library and sync them from iTunes onto the iPad 2 in the same way as you would for your iPhone. You can install the same applications on all of your iOS devices that are synced with the same iTunes library. Note that you can also go to the App Store on your iPad 2 and reinstall the apps from there—the App Store recognizes that you have already bought the apps and won’t charge you for them again when you re-download them.

If you don’t already have your applications in your iTunes library, you can easily transfer them back from your iPhone simply by ensuring your computer is authorized for the same iTunes Store account that was used to purchase the apps and then syncing your iPhone with your computer. During an automatic sync, iTunes will transfer back any apps and media content it finds on your device that your computer is authorized for. You can authorize your computer for your iTunes Store account by going to the Store menu in iTunes and choosing the Authorize Computer option.

Note that while all iPhone apps will run on the iPad in a screen-doubled backward compatibility mode, you’ll get the best experience if you use native iPad applications on your iPad 2. Some iPhone apps are “universal” meaning they include native support for both the iPhone and iPad in the same application, while others may offer a separate iPad version of the app. In the latter case, although the iPhone version will still work fine on your iPad 2 in compatibility mode, you will need to purchase the iPad version separately if you want native iPad functionality.

The most asked question at iLounge.com:

How do I copy content from my iPod/iPhone onto my computer?

Converting DVDs, web video, TV shows and more:

The Complete Guide to iPod, Apple TV and iPhone Video Formats

Converting DVDs, web video, TV shows and more:

The Complete Guide to iPod, iPhone and Apple TV Video Conversion (Mac)

Converting DVDs, web video, TV shows and more:

The Complete Guide to iPod, iPhone and Apple TV Video Conversion (Win)

Best Speakers?

Best Headphones?

Best Case?

Best In-Car Solution?

Best Battery Extender?

Find more answers in the latest publications in our Library. Free downloads developed by the editors of iLounge!

Ask iLounge Archives:

5-16-13: Remove old iCloud backup after restoring to a new iPhone

5-15-13: Setting up a ringtone in iTunes

5-14-13: Using a Wi-Fi hard drive with an iPad

5-13-13: Backing up and restoring an iPod classic

5-10-13: Can’t restore iPod touch without passcode

View the complete Ask iLounge archives...

« Recovering non-purchased content from iPod

Recovering lost iTunes Store purchases »

Comments

If you have a comment, news tip, advertising inquiry, or coverage request, a question about iPods/iPhones/iPad or accessories, or if you sell or market iPod/iPhone/iPad products or services, read iLounge's Comments + Questions policies before posting, and fully identify yourself if you do. We will delete comments containing advertising, astroturfing, trolling, personal attacks, offensive language, or other objectionable content, then ban and/or publicly identify violators.

Recent Reviews

New Deals

Shop for Accessories: Cases, speakers, chargers, etc.

iLounge

Article