IPSW archives store encrypted .DMG files. One .DMG file stores the file system contents. Tools like VFDecrypt, iDecrypt, and iDecryptIt can decrypt this file. IPSW images are downloaded by iTunes. iTu...
IPSW archives store encrypted .DMG files. One .DMG file stores the file system contents. Tools like VFDecrypt, iDecrypt, and iDecryptIt can decrypt this file. IPSW images are downloaded by iTunes. iTunes installs data from .ipsw files to iOS devices. It stores only the last downloaded .ipsw file. iOS devices can officially only be updated or restored to factory settings.
IPSW is a file format to install iOS, iPadOS, tvOS firmware. All Apple devices share the IPSW format for firmware. This allows users to flash devices through Finder or iTunes. If the government uses the All Writs Act to unlock iPhones, it would have power to capture data from any device.
Verify the IPSW file is complete and error-free. If sent by someone, ask them to resend it. It may not have copied properly. Downloading from the internet can result in an incomplete file. Try downloading again. Verify your account has administrative rights.
IPSW stores encrypted DMG files. IPSW files update and recover Apple devices. A desktop application and connected device are needed to update/restore. IPSW files can download from the internet. iTunes on Windows and Mac can open IPSW files.
iTunes
Finder (macOS Catalina and later)