3 file types use the .ips file extension.

What is an IPS file?

Patch (or update) for a common game ROM that can contain graphics, models, and other data; used mainly for small patches less than 16MB in size; can be modified and applied to games using various IPS software utilities.

Category: Game Files

iOS Analytics Data

An IPS file may also be an analytics data file created by an iOS device, such as an iPhone or iPad. It contains diagnostic and usage data recorded by an app or service. Developers and other advanced users can use IPS files to troubleshoot issues with apps or services.

The data that IPS files contain is formatted using JSON . Often, this data describes a bug or crash you encountered while using an iOS app or service. For this reason, you'll often see the strings "bug_type" or "crashReporterKey" included in IPS files.

How to view your iDevice's IPS files

While most users will never need to review their IPS files, you can access and view them by opening Settings and selecting:

Privacy & Security → Analytics & Improvements → Analytics Data

This will bring up a list of the IPS files stored on your device, which you can then open and view.

How to stop sharing IPS files with Apple

By default, iDevices share the IPS files they create with Apple. If you want to stop sharing IPS files with Apple:

You can open IPS files with Apple Files (iOS) or any text editor, to view the analytics data they contain. Additionally, some digital forensics programs, such as iMazing (Windows, Mac) and MobilEDIT Forensic Express (Windows), allow users to view IPS files contained within an iOS device's data and add them to digital forensics reports.

Programs that open IPS files

Updated: December 4, 2023

PlayStation 2 In-Game Video

An IPS file may also be a video included in a PlayStation 2 video game. It contains a cutscene or other video played in the game. IPS files consist of .IPU video and sound encoded using the ADPCM codec .

Most notably, PlayStation 2 entries in the Megami Tensei role-playing game franchise include IPS files. However, the IPS format is not proprietary, so several developers included IPS videos in their PS2 games. For example, the game Wipeout Fusion also includes IPS files. (Some of these IPS files might be formatted slightly differently from each other.)

You can use IPUDecoder (multiplatform) to convert IPS files to the .M2V (MPEG-2 Video) format. Alternatively, you can use QuickBMS (Windows) and an associated IPS Demux script to convert an IPS file into an .IPU video file and a .WAV audio file. Note that the IPS Demux script might not work on all IPS files.

Programs that open IPS files

Updated: February 6, 2023