# Is it safe to delete iPad Software Updates (IPSW) on Mac?

- URL: https://moreroom.app/folders/apple-ipsw-ipad
- Item: iPadOS software updates (IPSW)
- Location: `~/Library/iTunes/iPad Software Updates`
- Verdict: Safe to remove — Rebuilt or re-downloaded automatically when needed.
- Comes back on its own: yes
- Source: MoreRoom rules catalogue (2026-10-17), by Yando Pte. Ltd.

## What is it?

Firmware files (.ipsw) that Finder downloads when you update or restore an iPad from your Mac, kept in `~/Library/iTunes/iPad Software Updates`. Each is several GB, and only the latest one is ever useful.

## What happens if you delete it?

Finder downloads a current firmware file from Apple the next time you update or restore the iPad. Nothing on the device or in your backups depends on these files.

## How to remove it properly

Move `~/Library/iTunes/iPad Software Updates` (or the .ipsw files inside it) to the Trash in Finder with Go › Go to Folder….