Is iTunes in MacOS 10.11.6 incompatible with iTunes on an IPad running OS 16.3.1?

Question

Is iTunes in MacOS 10.11.6 incompatible with iTunes on an IPad running OS 16.3.1?

My husband had an older iMac (late 2008) running 10.11.16 which he will not update or replace as it runs a software he uses daily. He updated his iPad Pro to 16.3.1 and now it is not recognized as a device by iTunes on the iMac. The iMac DOES recognize his iphone (running 15.x) and an older iPad running 14.x.

Is the incompatibility intentional or is there a bug in 16.3.x? Is there anything I can do get the device recognized by the iMac or is there a 3rd party workaround?

PS If I could, I’d just replace the Mac…

iPad Pro 10.5-inch, Wi-Fi

Posted on Feb 13, 2023 10:16 PM

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Answer 1

UTBadger

Community Specialist

Feb 15, 2023 11:15 AM in response to Alice Plebuch

Hey Alice Plebuch,

We'd be happy to help out. Given that the iPad Pro is running the latest software it absolutely might need some newer software on the Mac. Updating is one of the first things you'd want to do if having issues with device recognition. This is outlined further here: If your computer doesn't recognize your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support

The steps from the above resource are also available below:

Look in the Finder or iTunes

On a Mac with macOS Catalina or later, look for your device in the sidebar of any window in the Finder.*

On a Mac with an earlier version of macOS, look for your device in iTunes.

On a PC with iTunes for Windows, look for your device in iTunes.

Learn more about viewing your device in the Finder or iTunes

Update the software on all devices

Update your iPhone or iPad

Update your Mac

Update your Windows PC

On your PC you might also need to update iTunes and update drivers.

Connect your device directly to your computer

Make sure that your device is unlocked and showing its Home Screen, then use a USB cable to connect it directly to your computer. Don't connect to a USB hub, display, or other device.

If that doesn't help, disconnect your device and all other USB devices and accessories from your computer. Then reconnect only your device.

Trust your computer, if asked

If you see a “Trust this Computer?” alert on your device when you plug it into your computer, tap Trust.

About the 'Trust This Computer' alert

Allow the accessory to connect

When connecting your device to a Mac laptop computer with Apple silicon, your Mac might ask whether you want to allow this accessory to connect. If so, allow it to connect.

Learn about allowing accessories to connect

Restart your devices

Restart your iPhone

Restart your iPad

Restart your Mac

Restart your Windows PC

Try a different port, cable, or computer

The issue could be related to your computer, its USB port, or the USB cable connecting it to your device. If possible, try a different computer, USB port, or USB cable. Also check for any debris in the charging port on the bottom of your iPhone or iPad.

Contact us

If your computer still doesn't recognize your iPhone or iPad, contact Apple Support.

We hope this helps out.

Take care!

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Is iTunes in MacOS 10.11.6 incompatible with iTunes on an IPad running OS 16.3.1?

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