What is “iPhone backups” on a Mac?

Local backups of your devices. (~/Library/Application Support/MobileSync/Backup)

iPhone backups on Mac: what it is and whether you can delete it

Q: Can I delete “iPhone backups”?

It depends: review it before deleting. It can be deleted, but it may hold something you want to keep (settings, downloaded models, data). Delete only what you no longer use.

~/Library/Application Support/MobileSync/Backup

It depends: review it before deleting

It can be deleted, but it may hold something you want to keep (settings, downloaded models, data). Delete only what you no longer use.

What it is

Local backups of your devices.

Category: Your data · DiskSpace AI verdict: Review

How to free the space

Manage from Finder → your iPhone → Manage Backups.

DiskSpace AI finds it for you

It tells you how much it takes on your Mac, what it is and whether you can delete it. It only selects what recreates itself, and your files are kept 7 days in case you change your mind.

Download the Beta

Guides that cover it

Not enough space to update macOS? How to make room safely
How to free up space on your Mac without deleting anything important
How to find large files on Mac (including hidden ones)
What is purgeable space on Mac, and how to free it
The best disk space analyzers for Mac in 2026

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