The ‘tips-store.db’ file, commonly found on Apple’s mobile operating system, contains data related to the Tips application. This application provides users with introductory and informational guides on how to use various device features. Examining this database file can reveal user interactions with the Tips app, including which tips were viewed, when they were viewed, and potentially even user learning patterns. Investigative analysis focused on this file type within the iOS ecosystem falls under the purview of mobile device forensics.
Analyzing the Tips database is valuable for investigators seeking to understand a user’s familiarity with their device and its functionalities. It can provide corroborating evidence regarding user activities, such as whether a user was aware of specific security features or recently learned about a particular application. Furthermore, historical data within the database might offer a timeline of device usage patterns.
