sync calendar/contacts with iCloud versus iTunes

The latest build of iTunes should always sync with the latest version of iOS. That said some users are reporting issues with the current iTunes build. If it doesn't work correctly for you the previous one should. Links on request.

tt2

Sorry for the delay got sidetracked which unfortunately also made me miss the opportunity to download iOS 17.2.1 but I did update to 17.3. just now see results below.

FYI - At moment I can confirm the following config still allows for Phone contacts synchronization --> Outlook 2013 (desktop app) , ITUNES 12.13.1.3 and iOS 17.3 .

I just bit the bullet and did the upgrade from 16.6 to 17.3. I can confirm that the update worked successfully. I then did a manual sync and my calendars synced. I had no new contacts, but I assume that would sync as well. I still get the popup stating that the syncing will be depreciated.

Calendar sync works with iOS 17.3.... iTunes 12.13.1.3 ... Outlook 2019 (as part of the Office 2019 desktop suite).

Apple have released Apple Music, Apple TV, and Apple Devices for Windows. Installing any of these cripples iTunes such that it can then only manage audiobooks and podcasts, and cannot handle syncing duties. This is clearly part of a plan to retire iTunes, aligning the replacement apps across both Windows and Mac platforms. The problem at the moment is that Apple have yet to release matching Books and Podcast apps for Windows, or put in all of the features that many users rely on, such as the ability to rip CDs, switch between multiple libraries, use scripts for bulk metadata changes, etc. Hopefully iTunes as a standalone app will continue to function until the shortcomings are addressed.

Apple could allow Windows users to stick with a single ultimate version of iTunes, patching any iOS connectivity issues separately. They did this for quite some time with iTunes on Mojave. Whether they will or not is another matter.

tt2

i was going to ask the same thing. i had my calendar syncing to my iphone/itunes with no issues until about a week ago when i updated to iOS 17.4. Ive had Itunes version 12.13.1.3 for a long time, so i know that wasnt the issue. i need to use Outlook (not exchange) for work purposes as cloud is not an option. i use an Iphone 11 and have no plans to upgrade as of yet (my last phone was an iphone 5, and the one before that was a 2nd gen 3gs) as my phones last a long time.

I don't think this is a security issue. I have the same message when I open iTunes on my Windows PC. The problem is that there is no other information ANYWHERE on how we are supposed to sync our contacts and calendars after the next iTunes update. Do I have to re-type/update all my contacts from my computer in the future? This is basic info that should be able to be sync'd. Removing this function without a replacement option is just plain wrong. So is there a replacement option?

I have exactly the same query and concern. The message seems to indicate that in future we won't be able to sync calendars and contacts from PC to iPhone. This will pose a big problem for a lot of PC users. Lately I am already experiencing issues with syncing - sometimes I need to try a few times.

I got this message too. So why is Apple deprecating the function to sync my phone contacts directly with my PC???????? This will be a deal breaker for me when it comes time to upgrade to a new phone. I'm not going to send my phone contacts to the cloud because it's my private information. To anyone reading this: don't by assurances regarding the security of anything that goes into a cloud storage, once it's up there, it's not longer only yours.

Tell Apple NO!

Make the time and fill out the feedback form here:

https://www.apple.com/feedback/itunesapp.html

Hello Lucia555,

We understand you received a message indicating support for syncing contacts and calendars will be removed in a future version of iTunes. We also understand it seems to still be syncing.

The latest version of iTunes for Windows is version 12.11.3, which you can read about in Apple security updates. If you haven't already, please Update to the latest version of iTunes to see if you continue to receive the same message.

If you continue to receive this message, you can Sync app info from your PC to devices with iTunes.

You can also sync information wirelessly with your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch using iCloud or Microsoft Exchange. Any items you sync with these applications can also be synced with iTunes.

If you choose to use iCloud, please see how to Set up and use iCloud for Windows.

If you're unable to set up or use iCloud for Windows, we'd also recommend reviewing what to do If you can't download or install iCloud for Windows.

If you see duplicate contacts or have questions about iCloud features that work differently between your Apple devices and Outlook, please see how to Get help using Outlook with iCloud for Windows.

Cheers!

spbill wrote:

My question exactly! No announcement from Apple can be found. Just a cryptic note without any follow-up or alternative, non-Cloud solution.

I mean, is Apple hurting so badly financially that they are now resorting to forcing everyone into an iCloud subscription?

iCloud for Windows is free. There are subscription options if you want more than the 5Gb of storage with the free plan. I realize that cloud is anathema to some, in which case not upgrading will be a temporary workaround, but who's to say how long that will be viable.

tt2

If isn't clear which build will introduce the change, only that Apple plan to do it. You might want to turn off any automatic update feature. If needs be there are links to recent builds and downgrade advice in Troubleshooting issues with iTunes for Windows - Apple Community which could be used if you find iTunes has upgraded unexpectedly, which might happen automatically if you're using the Microsoft Store version.

tt2

I've posted before about how I'm extremely disappointed in Apple for slipping this 'little' change in without a formal announcement. Just imagine all the people who clicked through that message and in a future version of iTunes they'll go to sync and be left out in the cold.

As someone else posted, if this feature is important to you, provide feedback via the following form:

https://www.apple.com/feedback/itunesapp.html

Hopefully, if there is sufficient interest and request for this feature, it may not be removed in future. (Although I highly doubt it.)

I've already submitted my complaint via feedback and through eChat.