Is there a public download?
No. Message Archive Utility is in private beta.
FAQ
Questions about Message Archive Utility
Quick answers about the Mac app, private beta access, local backups, search, and exports.
Access
Is the current beta Mac only?
Yes. The current private beta is a Mac app.
Does it require an account?
No. The app runs on your Mac without a web account.
Backups
Does it import encrypted backups?
No. This beta requires an unencrypted local iPhone backup stored on your Mac.
Why does the app need a local iPhone backup?
The local backup gives the app a message source on your Mac. That is how it builds a searchable archive without asking you to upload messages.
Can I import again later?
Yes. The app skips messages already in your archive and adds new ones.
Privacy
Does it upload messages?
No. Messages are not uploaded for import, search, or export.
Where are my messages stored?
The imported archive is stored locally on your Mac. You control the archive and the files you export from it.
Does it use iCloud?
No. The app imports from a local iPhone backup on your Mac. It does not import directly from Apple's cloud services.
Exports
What can it export?
You can export PDF, Excel, and CSV files from supported archive views.
Does it export attachments?
No. Current exports focus on message text and related details. Attached photos, videos, and files are not included in exports.
Will photo attachments appear in the app?
Some image attachments may preview in the app when the files are available in the local backup. If a file is missing, the app shows a reference instead.
Using the archive
Can I search old conversations?
Yes. After import, you can search your local archive for words, names, and phrases.
What happens if I delete the app?
Keep copies of any exports or archive files you want to preserve. Deleting the app should not be your backup plan.