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Level 1

16 points

syncing iPhone (ios14) with High Sierra using itunes

I received message to update my iPhone Xs to IOS14.0. I connected to iTunes on iMac with High Sierra to do make a backup to the computer first while doing the download only. After download was completed, I selected update but nothing happened. I disconnected and reconnected, saw the update button, but nothing happened when clicked. I disconnected and decided to do the update and install from the iPhone directly. Upon completion, I reconnected to iTunes, heard the usually beep, but NEVER saw the iPhone icon in the left corner. So now there is not way to do any backup or update to computer nor can I get to the recent backup on computer to restore (I can use yesterdays backup to iCloud on phone if needed, but not as ideal as more recent computer backup). I have restarted iMac and restarted iPhone but nothing. Of course this computer version will not use the Finder for syncing so what to do now before restoring from iCloud phone backup as last resort.?

iPhone XS

Posted on Sep 19, 2020 4:50 AM

Best reply

turingtest2

Level 10

272,881 points

Posted on Sep 20, 2020 9:14 AM

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 & 14 require 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.

I've assumed that if iOS 14 is supposed to be supported by High Sierra then this method which worked for iOS 13 will work for iOS 14 too.

tt2

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63 replies

ledbuzz

Level 1

9 points

Apr 11, 2021 5:48 AM in response to Westynyc

Discussing the same issue for iOS 14.4.2 the APPLE Senior Specialist said, that at least MacOS Catalina is required for further Update synching procedures.

An alternative option is to run iTunes under (possibly Bootcamp installed) Windows 10.

turingtest2

Level 10

272,881 points

Apr 11, 2021 5:49 AM in response to ledbuzz

ledbuzz wrote:

Discussing the same issue for iOS 14.4.2 the APPLE Senior Specialist said, that at least MacOS Catalina is required for further Update synching procedures.

They were wrong. OS X 10.11.4 or better running iTunes 12.8.2.3 or better should be sufficient.

tt2

macyver1

Level 1

9 points

Apr 14, 2021 7:38 PM in response to Westynyc

Thank you turingtest2! That was a great fix! Could not find a fix. I retired several years ago after supporting Macs for 22 years and frankly I've become lazy with my own gear (waiting for new Macs!) and that was one of the most obscure kind of patches I've run across. Force marched to the future we are!

High Sierra 10.13.6, latest iTunes (v. below is with patch installed)

Some might give up on the long install time but after about 15 min. iTunes 12.8.2.3 patch installed and it now sees iPhone Xr/14.4.2. Brilliant.

Thank you!

John Link

Level 1

120 points

Apr 22, 2021 5:37 AM in response to turingtest2

My iPad is running iOS 14.4.2. My computer is running OS High Sierra 10.13.6. My iPad does not appear in iTunes. I followed what turingtest2 recommended and nothing happened when I double-clicked on MobileDeviceUpdater.

Do I need to upgrade to Mojave?

turingtest2

Level 10

272,881 points

Apr 22, 2021 7:03 AM in response to John Link

El Capitan or better should still be sufficient. You might try reinstalling iTunes 12.8.2.3 over your existing install while your device is connected and unlocked, then if necessary the steps above once more.

tt2

May 5, 2021 6:25 PM in response to turingtest2

Hi,

iPhone Plus, with iOS 14.4.2

Macbook Pro with macOS 10.12.6 Sierra

iTunes 12.8.2.3

After updating the iPhone to iOS 14.4.2, iTunes no longer recognizes the iPhone. I tried updating iTunes to 12.8.3 as suggested, but I get the message "an update is required", which appears to be an OS update instead of an iTunes update, and there's no info as far as what OS version will be installed.

Am I hosed without updating macOS to who knows what?