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

iTunes doesn't recognize iPad

Hi everyone! I'd appreciate any suggestions 🙂

I received my iPad and plugged it into my computer, which was running 10.4.11. iTunes said I needed at least OS 10.5. I upgraded to 10.5.4 (I purchased the upgrade in 2009, just didn't have time to install it), then using Software Updater, upgraded to 10.5.8. Now when I plug in the iPad, iTunes doesn't recognize the iPad at all. However, in System Profiler, I can see the iPad connected, so the computer sees the device.

The USB ports work with everything else. I know iPad needs USB 2.0. According to Wikipedia ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PowerBook_G4) my Aluminum PowerPC G4 1.5 MHz laptop (purchased September 2005) includes USB 2.0.

I'm running the latest iTunes-- 9.2.1

When plugged in to my computer, the iPad screen displays a white USB wire and arrow pointing to an iTunes icon. But iTunes doesn't launch, and when I open iTunes the iPad isn't recognized.

According to what Apple has listed I've met all the iPad requirements. My last resort is lugging everything to an Apple Store, but want to make sure I perform all troubleshooting I can do on my own before taking this step.

Any suggestions on what else to try??

Btw, I realize it's MY FAULT for not checking system requirements BEFORE plugging in the iPad.

Aluminum PowerBook G4 1.5 GHz, Mac OS X (10.5.8), PowerBook is a "Revision D" - Purchased September 2005

Posted on Aug 17, 2010 8:27 AM

Reply
Question marked as Best reply

Posted on Aug 17, 2010 8:49 AM

have you seen this support article: http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1591 ?

J GG

User uploaded file
13 replies

Aug 17, 2010 11:10 PM in response to akaMarko

hi,

i just realized i have the same problem. i got the ipad for my birthday but only have mac os x 10.4.11 on my computer.

i've never upgraded operating systems before. what is the process, and is anything on my hard drive at risk when upgrading? also, any general idea of price would be greatly appreciated.

any help would be awesome.

thanks!

Aug 17, 2010 11:41 PM in response to Jolly Giant

Hi again Jolly Giant,

Thanks again for the support link.

When I got home tonight I started troubleshooting the iPad. First I reset it, but it didn't work. Then I tried the next suggestion, which was to completely remove iTunes by following Apple's detailed instructions ( http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1224), then do a clean install. That seemed to do the trick.

When I plugged the iPad back in and launched iTunes, it recognized the device and I was able to register and sync.

Aug 17, 2010 11:52 PM in response to internet connect help

Hi internet connect help,

Upgrading the OS is pretty simple, it just takes a while. My update took approx 2 hours. I'd purchased Leopard 10.5.4 last year, so I had the disk. All I had to do was load the CD and follow the instructions. After the new 10.5.4 completed upgrading, and I'd restarted the computer, I used Software Update to find and install all the other upgrades to 10.5.8. just note that sometimes you have to run Software Update a few times to get all the updates.

Now I have 10.5.8 and it works great. All my software survived the upgrade and my computer is happy 🙂

My suggestion is to find out what OS upgrade your computer can handle (I think your profile said you have a G5 - which I think uses the Intel processor), then purchase from Apple. If you're not sure which OS version to use, bring your computer's specs to an Apple store and ask them for help.

One more thing - the OS upgrade isn't cheap. OS 10.5.4 cost me approx $150 last year, but it was totally worth it to get before the software became obsolete, forcing me to purchase a used copy from eBay etc.

Anyway, good luck!

Aug 19, 2010 4:50 AM in response to Seapixy

The G5 Mac, like the G4 and some previous models use the Power PC (PPC) processor so Leopard is the latest OSX that a PPC processor can use.

Seapixy wrote:
Hi internet connect help,

Upgrading the OS is pretty simple, it just takes a while. My update took approx 2 hours. I'd purchased Leopard 10.5.4 last year, so I had the disk. All I had to do was load the CD and follow the instructions. After the new 10.5.4 completed upgrading, and I'd restarted the computer, I used Software Update to find and install all the other upgrades to 10.5.8. just note that sometimes you have to run Software Update a few times to get all the updates.

Now I have 10.5.8 and it works great. All my software survived the upgrade and my computer is happy 🙂

My suggestion is to find out what OS upgrade your computer can handle (I think your profile said you have a G5 - which I think uses the Intel processor), then purchase from Apple. If you're not sure which OS version to use, bring your computer's specs to an Apple store and ask them for help.

One more thing - the OS upgrade isn't cheap. OS 10.5.4 cost me approx $150 last year, but it was totally worth it to get before the software became obsolete, forcing me to purchase a used copy from eBay etc.

Anyway, good luck!

iTunes doesn't recognize iPad

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