sync calendar/contacts with iCloud versus iTunes

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?

We need a way to continue the direct sync feature (contacts/calendars) with outlook either via apple (itunes) or third party application. I would fine with an apple standalone app outside of itunes if that makes business sense. Direct sync is a much more secure way to sync offline/air-gapped outlook PST files containing confidential information with the iphone. All other sync methods involve moving information to the cloud. This will be deal breaker for me and Apple if a workable solution can not be created.

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

Hi

I'm getting this message as well. Syncing contacts and calendars via USB is a critical thing for me. Without this ability I'll be forced away from my iPhone.

Will I loose this ability when I run the next update? I'm currently on 12.11.3.17.

If so, will there be any warning from Apple regarding which update will kill this feature so I can NOT run it?

Regards

Alan

loss of this function will be a major issue for me. My calendar and contacts are on a local outlook installation. Syncing with iCloud is and has been terrible for years and as I do not use iCloud it is an extra 3rd step with zero benefits.

Direct syncing via USB of WiFi is the only available way for me to work an this "update" may be the final straw that see me move from Apple. So glad I found this out before I bought an new iPad pro on Friday!

I have the same issue and would want to be able to sync without going through a cloud services of any type.

I have found like other users that the sync can take a few attempts sometimes and wonder rather than fix the problem, Apple are just removing the feature (which I need and use).

I'm not aware of any other third party tool that could do this job, if anyone knows, please post.

I had to switch to icloud for a bit several months ago, because I could not synch with a cable from my PC to my iphone. It created a total mess. I am still trying to get my contacts back on my PC. Like others, if I can no longer synch calendar and contacts, it will be a deal breaker next time I buy a phone.

I will wait and see before I upgrade to iPhone 12. Does anybody know what IOS/iTunes update version(s) will drop this critical feature?

Use to be a program called "AkrutoSync". I tried in several years ago and it seemed to work. Didn't want to pay for it back then. And they don't seem to have an updated version on their website.

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.

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!