Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

Older Mac won’t connect to iPhone

My late 2009 Mac is maxed out at High Sierra 10.13.6 and it won’t connect to my iPhone X that I just updated to iOS 16.2. Says it needs a software update. The last time that happened (when I upgraded to iOS 15) it tried to install a new and incompatible version of iTunes. Am I looking at the same problem again and what’s the fix?

iMac, OS X 10.11

Posted on Jan 2, 2023 12:08 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jan 2, 2023 7:33 AM

For iOS 14 or later you need iTunes 12.8.2.3 or better running on OS X 10.11.6 or better. See How to upgrade to OS X El Capitan - Apple Support if required.


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.


If these steps haven't worked you can also try reinstalling iTunes12.8.2.3.dmg (El Capitan/Sierra) or iTunes12.8.3.1 (High Sierra) while your device is connected and unlocked.


tt2

1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jan 2, 2023 7:33 AM in response to Jeff81873

For iOS 14 or later you need iTunes 12.8.2.3 or better running on OS X 10.11.6 or better. See How to upgrade to OS X El Capitan - Apple Support if required.


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.


If these steps haven't worked you can also try reinstalling iTunes12.8.2.3.dmg (El Capitan/Sierra) or iTunes12.8.3.1 (High Sierra) while your device is connected and unlocked.


tt2

Older Mac won’t connect to iPhone

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.