14 DAY TRIAL // iPhone Backup Extractor not only lets you extract iPhone OS backups created with iTunes, but also allows you to mess around with their contents just like you would on your iPhone. Freelance web and Mac OS X developer Padraig has recently updated the small, but useful app for owners of both an iPhone and a Mac, reinstating compatibility with the latest version of Apple's iTunes.
“This application converts the iPhone / iPod Touch backups that are created by iTunes into readily usable Mac OS X files,” Padraig says on his SuperCrazyAwesome website. “It is designed to run on Mac OS X Leopard only,” the developer adds.
Extracting application resources is a very helpful ability for developers who need to investigate bugs, for example. Exploring files that are created by third-party applications using Finder is another benefit provided by the 606 KB app. Lastly, the tool also comes in handy to those who need to decode the SQLite database files that are stored on the iPhone / iPod touch, such as Call History, SMS messages and Notes.
To download and use iPhone Backup Extractor, you will need to run a version of Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard. The app is a Universal Binary, meaning both Intel and PowerPC users can run it, as long as the aforementioned requirement is met. Even though the generous developer is offering iPhone Backup Extractor for free, donations are appreciated. Padraig stresses that users who have improved their business by using the app are especially encouraged to make a small contribution for “future development and maintenance.”
iPhone Backup Extractor is a Softpedia freeware pick. Use the download link available below to grab yourself the updated software now. Be careful with those backups if you plan on playing around with their contents. It's probably best to always have an intact backup archive at hand.