downloading files can't be seen by ipad/iphone

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Created Aug ’16

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why is it that apps such as downloader and downloads allow the user to download files such as .zip, .mp3, etc. but the chrome app cannot download a file such as an .mp3 as it only lets you play the file not download it. I looked that the search engines and both use google. Why can these apps download files and chrome cannot download files.

once the files are downloaded they get stored on the app itself. Why cant the ipad look for any of those files. If i download a zip file or mp3 i can only view it in those apps. Why can't ios search for those files.

any help is much appreciated.

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Answer 1

RLKingSoftware OP

Aug ’16

Because iOS has no public facing file system. Meaning, anything downloaded within an app exists

only for that app. Exceptions would be extensions which allow you to save things to your media

library, contacts or email. Despite advertising, iOS devices are not general purpose computing

devices. So, if you think of them in that way, you'll find many limitations such as those you've

already noted. Those limitations though, do serve very real purposes. Security being the most

important amongst them.

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