sync calendar/contacts with iCloud versus iTunes

I too use my computer to back up my iPhone, as with the 3 other phones and multiple iPads we have on our account. I am extremely irritated at Apple for doing this and this will be weighed heavily the next time I need to upgrade all of my devices, whether it is Apple or not. This is RIDICULOUS that a basic back up function is being removed. Without any explanation from Apple, the only reason I can believe for this is to FORCE people to use the Cloud which is conveniently available AT A COST - nothing but a money making scheme. I can back up my devices to my computer for free, we can't have that now can we? I don't like slamming companies but when no explanation is provided, this is the only conclusion I can come up with. I very much like the ease of Apple products, but without the company backing and supporting its customers for basic functions, why stick with it. I was quite angry when they removed the App management function from iTunes years ago but decided not to make a change at that time. This might be the tipping point.

I rely on the iTunes sync capability between my iPhone and my PC. Syncing via the cloud (any cloud...iCloud included) is not an option for me. If Apple breaks this very basic function and does not offer a replacement/work around I'm afraid I won't be able to continue using iPhones and neither will a number of my colleges. This is a serious mis-step Apple has to address.

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.

Although I don't want a non-Apple app, imazing.com seems to have some good reviews on a few web sites. It does cost money but might be worth it. I've never tried it and am still reading about it. They don't mention sync but rather file transfers and exports. So might not be the answer for everyone.

This is so frustrating. I've had trouble syncing between my phone & PC for long time and just attributed it to the fact that I work on a PC, using Outlook, instead of a MAC. One of the main reasons I chose an iPhone over Android was the syncing capability with Outlook, and keeping the info stored locally on my PC, but this latest move by Apple is going to take that away so what is the point? Seems like a clear case of Apple forcing their iCloud service. It might be time to finally make the jump to an Android.

Glad you got this thru. My question about the imazing apps was blocked as “advertising”(?).

That is, I would love to know if anyone had tried this and how it worked. The cost is not ridiculous, but I don’t want to spend anything if it doesn’t replace this function well.

I totally agree. APPLE - DON'T DO IT. I have synced contacts and calendars to my iPhones and iPad (from Outlook 2016 on Windows 10 PC) using the desktop version of iTunes for YEARS and YEARS. I also got this message "Support for syncing contacts and calendars has been deprecated and will be removed .......". PLEASE do not remove this facility.

I also sync music and selected photos. I also use this iTunes to backup these IOS devices to my Win 10 Computer harddrive. It works seemlessly.

Why oh why remove such a massively basic function for your user base. I already use icloud for certain items but I want the facility of not using icloud for such personal info (and want the choice!).

Annoying. It also annoys that the MS App version of iCloud for windows removed the facility for using Photostream (although it remains for the moment in the old desktop version download).

Why Why Why upset your customers without any warning other than a small popup ( which defaults to only being shown once anyway).

APPLE - you need to recognise that you might just have some loyal customers who want to use a few services other than just yours and listen to the feedback.

I use iMazing for backup and the ability to read files right off the iPhone (Videos, Pix, Text Messages, etc.) But I haven't found a way to "Sync" contacts and calendar without going through a process of exporting then importing. Great for original setup but cumbersome for daily use; as opposed to clicking on Sync and checking my e-mail!

I agree, losing this capability is a deal breaker. Syncing with Outlook was the killer app that led me to Apple way back when. I want to update my phone for 5G and will now start looking at Android unless I hear something soon. Thanks to all, for your information on this thread.

I saw that popup on my new iTunes install too. Like everyone here, I use Outlook on my PC and iTunes to sync calendar and contacts. It was one of the main reasons I chose the Apple ecosystem. Adding contacts or updating calendar reminders on my tiny phone is no fun. I'd rather use my PC, then sync.

Honestly this functionality is so important to me, I don't care what it costs to make it happen. If there is a 3rd party tool to pick up the slack, I would buy it.

If true, this will be disastrous. The ability to synchronize Calendar & Contacts between devices & environments without resorting to a cloud-based solution is not 'optional' for me - it is a "must". I was forced to leave the BlackBerry environment specifically because BlackBerry dropped sync ability with Outlook. I settled on Apple as the replacement based on:

1) ability to seamlessly sync with Outlook, and

2) a reasonable level of security.

Removal of the ability to sync without resorting to using a cloud (any cloud) will force me to move to an environment which will support that capability.

You really think Apple cares about our objections? They're going to discontinue what they want, force everyone onto the Cloud (or where ever) and make us all do what ever it is they want us to do. We can complain & they will respond with their usual corporate speak ("we hear you & we're committed to providing you with the best possible service . . .") and we'll all have to knuckle under whatever they want us to do. That's life now that we're all chained to our technologies.

"Chained to our technologies" is not quite the same as "chained to THEIR technologies". There are options and users are free to exercise those options. If this change does go through, Apple will have at least 1 less customer. I know of course that will make no difference to them. I don't care about that. I do care that I can use features supported by technology the way that works best for me.. Quite simply - if it isn't Apple technology it will be technology supplied by someone else. We still have choices.

What I don't get is why remove it? The code was written ages ago. It probably takes more development effort to remove it. The only possible answer is to force people to iCloud.

I agree - the syncing is why I have stayed with Apple and Iphones over the years! I started with the IPod, then iphones, etc.

Without syncing of calendars, the Iphone (for me) is just another smart phone.

Apple you need to fix this and support your users.