Emergency! Must downgrade new app ASAP

Ah OK assumed I needed the actual IPA, didn’t comprehend I could get it through CP. Thank you.

You’re welcome.

Technically, you are downloading the app through iTunes and using Charles Proxy (CP) to "trick" iTunes into downloading a specific version of the app.

You need to be logged into iTunes with your Apple ID when downloading the app because, when the app is first opened, you will be prompted to enter the Apple ID used to "purchase" it. This requirement is why a generic IPA file won't work as it does with APK files on Android. On iOS, the IPA file is tied to an Apple account.

I have a laptop that I can put this version of iTunes on (my main machine already has a later iTunes version and I don't want to mess with that) but can the old 16.1 Gold version and the new piece of rubbish both exist on my iPhone or do I replace the newer version?

I suggest deleting the new app and then installing the old app. If you need to have both versions of the same app on your iPhone, it's possible, but the process is a bit involved.

For background, every application on your phone has a unique "BundleID" assigned by the vendor. The BundleID for the S2 controller is "com.sonos.SonosController2," and it remains the same across all versions. To have both versions of the controller on your phone, you will need to change the BundleID of one of the apps. I would recommended changing the BundleID for version 16.1 so you can continue receiving updates for the new app. Additionally, you may want to change the BundleDisplayName to distinguish between the two apps easily.

It's been quite a while since I last did this and my experience is outdated. I believe the easiest method nowadays is to use an application called Sideloady. Although I haven't used it myself, I've read that it has an easy-to-understand GUI and works for non-jailbroken devices (which I assume you have).

Thanks, I’ll do that. I thought the whole thing wasn't going to work as the Sonos app download kept failing but then suddenly it appeared to work and i seem to have a copy of 16.1 in iTunes (a separate copy on a laptop). All I need to do now is move the app from iTunes to my phone ! Very nerve wracking 😊

Well, that took some doing but it worked! I now have a working 16.1 app on my phone which will be staying right were it is until Sonos sort out the new one with at least  working Local Library management. I just hope that Sonos don’t put up any barriers to using 16.1 until that happens

We really shouldn't have to go these lengths to be able manage our own music

...and AlexPermit, I forgot to say thanks 😊

You’re welcome!  I’m happy to hear it worked.

I presume that now I have the ipa file, putting it back on the phone would be very easy (I have iMazing) if I DO accidently let the app update? 

TBH, if they sort local library searching, I’ll put up with the rest of the app as I’ve not has some of the issues that others are seeing with connectivity etc, but the old app is a breath of fresh air by comparison (and that’s something I never thought I’d say). 

Yes it should be easy.  I have also added the ipa file to Imazing’s local library to be triple sure. I’m only afraid that I (or my wife) will accidently update the firmware. I’m not sure what that would do to the old app.

I also agree about the old app.  As Joni Mitchell said, “you don’t know what you’ve got till its gone”.