IMazing

Can this iTunes alternative really replace Apple’s ubiquitous tool?

iMazing is the new name for DiskAid (reviewed in MF270). Designed to give you control of your iOS device, iMazing allows you to manage file transfers, your music, messages, contacts, voicemails and more.

The new name might be the most apparent change to the software in this version, but iMazing now offers the welcome ability to move music on and off your iOS device without going through iTunes.

Dragging and dropping music to and from a device is as simple a process as it sounds, and it worked flawlessly for us. The standout feature of iMazing, though, is how simple and intuitive it is. Where iTunes has been a minefield of uncertainty, this software brings order to managing your devices. There are also other tiny features that make the app worth it – exporting your messages to a PDF for archiving, for instance.

To make it work, plug your device into your Mac – though Wi-Fi syncing is an option, too. Once the first back-up is done, you have access to everything on that device. The interface looks much like an OS X Finder window, so it’s immediately familiar. Want to find those huge videos taking up disk space? Then sort by size. You can also see all your documents stored in iCloud, including iTunes purchases, though you can’t download these without going through iTunes.

As an alternative to iTunes, this is an excellent tool. In many ways, it’s clearer and easier to use than iTunes, with great one-click backups among other options. If you like complete control of your devices and find the Apple way frustrating, then iMazing could just be the app for you. Christopher Brennan

This is a great tool for controlling all aspects of your iOS devices with ease – it’s well worth the investment.