10.13.6 High Sierra Mac OS won't sync with iPhone running 13.1.2

For iOS 13 you need iTunes 12.8.2.3 or better running on OS X 10.11.4 or better.

Assuming a suitable version of iTunes is in place then in Finder use the menu item Go > Go to Folder..., copy the following text, paste it into the dialog box and press enter:

/System/Library/PrivateFrameworks/MobileDevice.framework/Versions/Current/Resources

Unlock your device and connect it to USB. Double click on MobileDeviceUpdater in the folder that has opened. It should notify you of a software update. Install it and iTunes should hopefully recognize your device.

tt2

Try rebooting both router and computer. Try reinstalling iTunes. Try again.

tt2

OS X 10.13.6 (High Sierra) / iTunes 12.8.2.3 (latest version from the App Store) won't sync any of my devices after iOS 13.1.2 (I have three of these). I dug out an old iPhone 6s still on iOS 12 and it syncs (so does an old iPod Classic).

I've had four lengthy discussions with Apple Support over the past few weeks to no avail (though they did manage to get my OS X version back to 10.10 Yosemite OS X Server once!) One day, one time, one device synced with my OS X iTunes. Then never again. Such a teaser.

Using your instructions, I'm told "a software update is needed to connect to _____" so I downloaded the update. The software doesn't say which software is updating but it's something on the Mac... Anxiously awaited the download... I had to close iTunes and Xcode... At one point the install stalled for about 5 minutes, uh-oh... Then it resumed and stalled with 7 seconds remaining for another five minutes... Cruel! (I'm now 15 minutes into a Roxy Music album on the headphones).

I restart iTunes and see an iOS 13.1.3 device! Woo-Hoo! Now it has to catch up and sync 1,400 tunes and I'll try the remaining two devices. (I have a different post on this same topic from about a month ago that's now closed for lack of responses or I'd thank you twice.)

THANK you, tt2!

Done all that and was great. BuT that specific update wouldn't go through and many attempts end up with a message appearing saying ( installation failed, cant download the software cos of network problem)

How can this be solved pls

You're welcome. 🙂

tt2

Thanks! You solved the same issue for me on my iPad2. Appreciate you taking the time to share your knowledge!

Always happy to help. 🙂

tt2

it took me many hours to find your solution and it helped. of course. this made my day. thank you very much!!!!

You're welcome. 🙂

tt2