On iphone sync, can I skip transfer of purchases from iphone to computer? I really hate syncing my phone these days because whenever I do I have to wait for all the apps I've downloaded since last sync to transfer to the computer. I download a lot of apps  so this process takes for ever.  So: can I opt out of backing up my apps?
Yes. You can disable app syncing.

To do this:


With your device connected to iTunes select the "Apps" tab.
Under the app listing, deselect "Automatically sync new apps".




New apps will no longer sync with iTunes. They will still backup to iTunes or iCloud, however, so you have no need to fear losing them should your device information be lost.

Note: all instructions provided work for iTunes 11.