My iTunes on my MacBook Pro doesn't recognize my iPhone 11 Pro

For iOS 12 or later you need iTunes 12.8.0.150 or better running on OS X 10.11.4 or better. See How to upgrade to OS X El Capitan - Apple Support if required. iOS 13 likely requires iTunes 12.8.2.3 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

KirstW wrote:

Also I am on OS Catalina, in case that makes a difference

Yes it does. See If your computer doesn't recognize your iPhone, iPad, or iPod - Apple Support instead.

tt2

If you can try another cable. You could also try inserting the cable the other way around from whichever way it naturally lies. Check to for any fluff in the docking port. Failing that you'll need to follow up with support.

tt2

So I had the same issue when with my new iPhone 11 Pro (running OS13.6) when trying out what was suggested above (I have a Macbook Pro running Catalina 10.15.6):

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/ResourcesUnlock 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.When I click on MobileDeviceUpdater I get an error pop up:  You can’t open the application “MobileDeviceUpdater” because apps in this folder are not installed. To open this application, look for it in the Applications folder.

I called Apple Support and it turns out, my new iPhone wasn't a trusted device yet! So, my fix was simple:

Open Finder

Click on my new iPhone in the Locations section on the left hand side of Finder

Then on my Mac and iPhone hit the Trust button.

Now I see my new iPhone in iTunes/Music app.

Yes, it ought to be fully automatic, but it seems that life doesn't work out that way. Use Feedback - iTunes - Apple if you want to tell Apple where they could improve.

tt2

this worked for my issue of a new iPhone se not showing up in iTunes 12.8.2.3 in mac os 10.13.6. thanks for the help but shouldn't this be covered under software updates?.

Clear your browser's cache and cookies then try again in the hopes of getting around the 403 error. Reboot the iPhone and try another cable. Not charging would suggest there is a cable issue.

tt2