sync calendar/contacts with iCloud versus iTunes

It is most definitely not resolved. Even if it worked properly, iCloud is not an acceptable solution for me and many others. Synching Contacts and Calendar from Outlook to iTunes works now for many people and this functionality must not be removed.

Lucia555 wrote:

Thank you for your work on this. Technically, yours as well as others who have replied with similar issues when attempting to switching over to iCloud sync (duplicates records, deleted records, etc.) have answered my initial question. I am hesitant to mark this solved because there has been so much dialogue.

Marking it as "solved" will not cause the thread to disappear. Nor will it close it to future comments. It may cause people who are looking for a definitive solution to look at it and/or it may discourage people who have thoughts on a solution from posting. It's entirely up to you, however.

At times in the past I have been forced to update iTunes (on W10) in order to update the iOS version of my iPhone...

Eventually we may be screwed here.

Like you I sync. to Outlook and iCloud does not work, and is prohibted by my employer.

@jimbob5941

I used to use iTunes to upgrade my iPhone to the next iOS. I've stopped doing that.

Instead, I take TWO backups of my iPhone via iTunes, then disconnect the phone from the PC and connect it to a basic iPhone power source/charger. I then run the upgrade directly from the iPhone.

Good idea. Here is what I just sent them:

Team,

I am very disappointed to find you are going to remove the

capability to update my iPhone contacts using MS Outlook via iTunes on my

computer in the near future.

This will drive much hardship for myself and other users and

undermines my brand loyalty to Apple.  You

probably don't care about my individual input, but I suspect there are many

more like me and I have read posts from several of them. 

I really enjoy my Apple hardware and have been for 11 years,

but if this change is implemented despite user feedback - I am strongly

considering moving to a different product line such as Samsung or Droid.

If streamlining the user's life is not sufficient motivation,

please consider that you are also creating flight risks in your product users.

I did not realize that sync was being "deprecated" when I recently upgraded to V 12.11.3.17.xxx

I'm not sure what we will do going forward but has anybody noticed any deprecation in this current version?

I run W10, and I do not have a backup copy of the prior version from the app. store - is there a way to get a copy?

Thanks!

I am very disappointed with Apple's lack of response to this issue. I opened a support case April 29. After a couple contacts, I was asked to provide all manner of logs and diagnostic info because the rep said the "developers" didn't know about this message. Finally, on June 21, I got the response "Yes I just got the update that they were able to delete all the contacts" which, of course, had nothing to do with my question. When I replied that the response had nothing to do with my issue, I was sent a link to an article telling me how to use iCloud to sync. Of course, I told them at the start I absolutely could NOT put my info in the cloud.

I still can't get an answer about WHEN they'll stop supporting iTunes sync.

I've switched from iPad to MS Surface for my tablet. If/when they stop supporting iTunes sync, I guess I'll trade in my iPhone 12 Pro for a Samsung.

Thank you @APB1966 !

I have double-checked to make sure I have auto-update turned off in the MS store,

and will just keep using the current version for as long as possible....

I'll (as you suggested) just backup my iPhone and install new versions of iOS directly to my phone - I have plenty of surplus memory.

I would much prefer to remain an Apple customer, but if we are forced to jump ship ...

This an interesting development:

https://www.zdnet.com/article/attention-iphone-users-soon-it-will-be-easier-to-switch-to-android/

@jimbob5941

Glad that worked for you.

Here is another tip for you and others - whenever a new iOS is released, Google for Gordon Kelly and his Forbes-based article "Should You Upgrade". He does an article for EVERY iOS release and give a verdict. 14.7 was a no-go, but 14.7.1 got his go-ahead.

As a matter of fact, I forewent the 1-week wait-and-see and did a backup via iTunes, then disconnected from the PC, plugged into a power source only, and ran the upgrade to 14.7.1 just two hours ago.

Don't jump ship. There will always be those who won't/can't leave and will find a way to make it work, even w/o Apple's help. I am tied to iPhones because of my employer's policies towards smartphones and the restrictions that iPhones/Apple possess for apps compared to the free-for-all of Androids.

What version of iTunes, @jimbob5941?

I just synched Friday night with iTunes 12.11.3.17 (the latest, as of this writing) and iOS 14.7.1

Now, I did have to babysit the synch because the phone went to screen-lock after a minute (I've since set to 2 minutes) and it seemed like iTunes and the iPhone lost contact. But, my calendar synch'd up fine.

Sorry. I have the "current" version from Windows App. store running under W10.

It is V12.11.3.17.53090.0     

I know I sysc-ed successfully at least ONCE since the upgrade but now ....

No calendar sync.

I have screen lock set to manual, so that's not my issue...

Last nite it occured that I have one "pending" meeting invite in my Outlook 2013 inbox that I have not accepted....

I wonder if THAT could be the issue...

I will try that later today... am late for work ATM...

I am extremely disappointed that neither the Apple technical support staff nor the customers have been informed on the details of Apple's "strategic directions" for local sync-ing on W10 with iTunes. We don't have to like it, but I think it is unconscionable for Apple to not explain themselves.

Stupid pop-up messages about 'deprecation' do not count!

I have held off on my purchase of a new iPhone (yes ... it's time ... I have a 6s) until I know more...

ok ... rant over..............

APB1966 @APB1966

I'm having no luck sync-ing my calendars and now with current version the sync-progress "thermometer" just blows by without ever saying it is (attempting to) sync-ing the calendar.

if there is a way to send you a private message i sure can not find it...

Is there another way you could post a downlevel version of iTunes?

I agree.

BTW, I have observed that quite often when I sync, it will not show the syncing calendars or contacts steps, but still do them. Sometimes I even get a message “Unknown error. Unable to sync. “ when it just has!

Here’s hoping that Apple will give up on this deprecated nonsense.