Support for iPhone and iPad

TrueArchive for iPhone and iPad

TrueArchive archives photos and videos from local folders on iPhone and iPad. Public version 1.0 is being prepared and is not yet available on the App Store. The existing test version 0.1.2 (99) is available separately through TestFlight. Start with copies of disposable sample files and keep your originals.

The alpha download on the homepage and its beta signup refer to the Mac version. The Mac handbook describes that version’s broader features.

What the mobile version supports

Requires iOS/iPadOS 18 or later: copy supported photos and videos from local folders in the Files app into a separate archive. The destination can be on your device or a suitable attached drive and must use APFS. The Files app must allow access to it. USB connectivity, power and drive compatibility depend on your device; this does not imply general hardware approval.

Originals stay unchanged during archiving; metadata is stored in XMP sidecar files. The mobile version does not directly import the Apple Photos library and has no iCloud/Hetzner backup or Immich connection. No account is required.

First test with local copies

Try it without personal photos: Download synthetic sample files (ZIP, 91 KiB). Includes color patterns, a short silent video and instructions in English and German. No external drive is needed.

Place a few disposable JPEG or MOV copies in a local source folder under “On My iPhone” or “On My iPad”. In TrueArchive, open “Sources” and choose that folder through the Files picker.

In “Archive”, create a new archive “On this device”. Source and archive must be separate folders and cannot be nested inside each other. Start “Archive now”, then check the result and files in the archive.

Keep the app open during the run. It interrupts the run when moved to the background; you can resume afterwards. Before deleting TrueArchive, copy any archive from the app’s Documents folder to a location outside the app.

If a run is interrupted or an error appears

First check the notice shown, free storage and the original folder connection. If a drive was disconnected, restore the original connection. Do not select an empty folder as a replacement.

If the saved setup cannot be read or an archive cannot safely resume, keep the existing files and contact support. Do not delete hidden archive files or reset the app without checking first.

What to include in a support request

Email the app version, device, iOS/iPadOS version, type of storage location and the steps leading to the problem to lutz@truearchive.app. A short error message is enough to start. Redact private filenames and other personal information from screenshots; do not send original photos, credentials or complete logs.

No diagnostic data is automatically attached to an email. See Privacy for iPhone and iPad for local data, optional contact and possible TestFlight data.