Wireless Deployment
Understanding Over-The-Air (OTA) Wireless App Installation
Published: August 11, 2026 • 6 min read
Overview
Over-The-Air (OTA) installation is Apple's standard mechanism for allowing developers, internal QA teams, and enterprise employees to install iOS applications directly onto target devices without plugging into a Mac via USB.
The `itms-services` Protocol Schema
OTA installations are initiated when a user taps a hyperlink formatted with Apple's custom URL scheme:
itms-services://?action=download-manifest&url=https://your-domain.com/manifest.plist
Structure of an XML Manifest (`manifest.plist`)
When Safari processes an `itms-services` link, it requests an XML Property List (`.plist`) containing metadata about the package:
- software-package URL: Direct HTTPS link to the signed `.ipa` package.
- display-image URL: 57x57 PNG icon rendered during installation.
- full-size-image URL: 512x512 PNG icon displayed on springboard.
- bundle-identifier: Exact app bundle ID matching the provisioning profile.
- bundle-version: CFBundleShortVersionString identifier.
Security & HTTPS Requirements
Since iOS 7.1, Apple enforces strict HTTPS for manifest XML files and `.ipa` package hosting. Servers hosting OTA assets must use valid TLS 1.2/1.3 SSL certificates issued by a trusted Root CA.