pyiosbackup
A python parser for iOS backups
Decision gist · record as of 2026-08-14
Yes, if you need to programmatically access iOS backup contents. The package is stable (marked Production/Stable), has no known vulnerabilities, and installs cleanly with common dependencies. The GPLv3+ license is a constraint only if you plan to incorporate it into proprietary software. The aging maintenance status (193 days since last release) is not a blocker for read-only backup parsing, but monitor the repo for iOS format changes if you rely on it long-term.AI-flagged interpretation of the facts on this page — verify before relying
Before you install
- Requires an encrypted iOS backup created with a numeric password; the password must be provided to decrypt.
- Low install friction with five straightforward dependencies.
- Marked as aging (last release 193 days ago), but repo remains active and not archived.
License · maintenance · safety
copyleft license (copyleft) — GPLv3+ copyleft license requires derivative works and distributions to remain open-source under the same license. Suitable for personal use and open-source projects; proprietary software integration would require GPL compliance or separate licensing.
last release 2026-02-02 (193 days) · last repo commit 2026-02-02 · 37 stars
0 known vulnerabilities (OSV.dev, 2026-08-14) · 97,763 downloads/mo, #13,128 on PyPI
Alternatives
Verify before relying
pip install pyiosbackup
from pyiosbackup import Backup
backup = Backup.from_path('BACKUP_PATH', '1234')
for file in backup.iter_files():
print(file.filename)- Compatibility with specific iOS versions or backup formats beyond what the classifiers indicate.
- Performance characteristics when handling large backups (size limits, memory usage).
- Whether bpylist2 and construct dependencies are actively maintained for current iOS backup structures.
What it is and what it does
pyiosbackup is a utility for reading and decrypting password-protected iOS device backups. It provides both a command-line interface and a Python API to extract files from backup archives, either in bulk or by specific domain and file path. The package handles the cryptographic decryption and binary format parsing required to access backup contents.
The tool is designed for scenarios where you have a local encrypted iOS backup (typically created via iTunes or similar tools) and need programmatic access to its contents. It depends on cryptography for decryption, construct for binary parsing, click for CLI scaffolding, and bpylist2 for Apple plist format handling. The package targets developers and system administrators working with iOS device data extraction and forensics.
Use it for
- Extract all files from an encrypted iOS backup to a local directory for archival or analysis.
- Retrieve a specific file from a backup by domain and path (e.g., com.apple.backupd.plist) for inspection.
- Programmatically iterate over backup contents in a Python script to audit or process device data.
- Recover individual files from an iOS backup without needing Apple's proprietary tools.
- Automate backup parsing in a data recovery or forensics workflow.
Worth the install?
AI-flagged interpretation of the facts on this page. Verify before relying on it.
Yes, if you need to programmatically access iOS backup contents.
The package is stable (marked Production/Stable), has no known vulnerabilities, and installs cleanly with common dependencies. The GPLv3+ license is a constraint only if you plan to incorporate it into proprietary software. The aging maintenance status (193 days since last release) is not a blocker for read-only backup parsing, but monitor the repo for iOS format changes if you rely on it long-term.
Install
pyiosbackup on PyPI
Before you install
Low install friction with five straightforward dependencies. Marked as aging (last release 193 days ago), but repo remains active and not archived. Supports Python 3.7 through 3.14.
Requires an encrypted iOS backup created with a numeric password; the password must be provided to decrypt.
License in practice
GPLv3+ copyleft license requires derivative works and distributions to remain open-source under the same license. Suitable for personal use and open-source projects; proprietary software integration would require GPL compliance or separate licensing.
Quickstart
pip install pyiosbackup
from pyiosbackup import Backup
backup = Backup.from_path('BACKUP_PATH', '1234')
for file in backup.iter_files():
print(file.filename)Verify before relying
- Compatibility with specific iOS versions or backup formats beyond what the classifiers indicate.
- Performance characteristics when handling large backups (size limits, memory usage).
- Whether bpylist2 and construct dependencies are actively maintained for current iOS backup structures.
Package facts
| License | copyleft license copyleft |
| Python support | Supports the current Python release >=3.7 |
| Install friction | Low. Pure-Python wheel |
| Runtime dependencies | 5 packagesbpylist2cryptographypackagingconstructclick |
| Maintenance | Aging 193 days since the last release |
| Last repo commit | |
| First released | |
| Downloads | 97,763 / month, #13,128 on PyPI 30-day window, as of 2026-08-14 |
| Known vulnerabilities | None known OSV.dev, checked 2026-08-14 |
| Classifiers | Development Status :: 5 - Production/StableLicense :: OSI Approved :: GNU General Public License v3 or later (GPLv3+)Programming Language :: Python :: 3Programming Language :: Python :: 3 :: OnlyProgramming Language :: Python :: 3.10Programming Language :: Python :: 3.11Programming Language :: Python :: 3.12Programming Language :: Python :: 3.13Programming Language :: Python :: 3.14Programming Language :: Python :: 3.7Programming Language :: Python :: 3.8Programming Language :: Python :: 3.9 |
Evidence: pyiosbackup-0.2.4-py3-none-any.whl
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See also android_backup · django-dbbackup · pymobiledevice3 · borgbackup · ipsw-parser · opack2 · developer-disk-image · bpylist2 · pywxdump · pyimg4