How to fix iPhone not showing up in iTunes on MacBook Pro running High Sierra?

Check for updates in the App Store. There should be one that patches iTunes so it can connect to your updated device.

Alternatively 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

I also called customer service as iTunes on my Mac mid-2010 (High Sierra) does nog recognize my iPhone SE2020 and they were not able to help me. First response: "Oh... That is a very old Mac." So? It still works fine. It seems that they want us to buy a new Mac.

Thank you so much tt2, the re-install method worked like a charm. Then it made a strange iphone update (picture attached) and now it's syncing like before.

Have a great day!

Having the same issue with an iPhone 13 and iMac running El Capitan. Very frustrating as it won't connect to iTunes.

Having same issue. I've double clicked MobileDeviceUpdater but no notification that I can see. How/where is this shown?

Can't download iTunes12.8.3.1 as it requires macOS version 10.13.99 or earlier.

Current setup

• iMac Mojave 10.14.6
• iTunes Version 12.9.5.5

My iTunes won't recognize my iPhone 14 pro max after I updated my iPhone to ios17, I'm using a MacBook with El Capitan, I reinstalled iTunes and same issue :-/

skinworm1 wrote:

None of this worked despite looking to be the solution. My latest software update is Sonoma 14.4.1

The steps given are only relevant for El Capitan through to Mojave. Try this support article instead:

If your device doesn’t appear in the sidebar when connected to Mac - Apple Support

tt2

@Sui2000, What is the Itunes Connection Bridge? I can't find anything with that name.

Thanks!

No, not solved. I called Apple Customer Service. They could not resolve it and suggested I update iMac version to Ventura. I have apps that will not work with Ventura, so I'm stuck. Pls let me know if & how you resolve the issue. Cheers

DUCY wrote:

I only have iPhone 8 Plus no Mac computer

This is a user to user support forum. Nobody here can perform actions that you've requested in other threads. You might want to review this article Check your Apple ID device list to find where you're signed in - Apple Support and review your sign-ins. Note the same computer/device may be listed more than once if you've signed in using different browsers.

tt2

Thanks tt2. Downloading the iTunes 12.8.3.1 DMG and reinstalling worked a treat (I already had 12.8.3.1). I'm on a 2010 Mac Pro and iTunes can now see the iPhone 15. Life is good, thanks to you!

I had similar problem when with my MBP (with OS 10.12.?) after I upgraded my iPhone 12 Pro Max to iOS 17.1. I called Apple Support and they walked me through process:

• update Mac OS to High Sierra (10.13.6)

• restart (~40 minutes)

• update iTunes to 12.8.3.1

• restart (~30+ minutes)

• install iTunes “connection bridge”

• restart

• open ITunes

First couple of iTunes syncs to iPhone took longer than usual but seems to work now. Thanx, Apple!! 🍎💻📲

Hello. Honestly, I do not remember exactly, perhaps MobileDevieUpdater? See TuringTest2 response about from few months before my post. You can call Apple Support or use their online chat…hope this helps for you…

I’m having the same issue. I’m using OS X El Capitan.. My IPhone XS Max shows up on iTunes side bar no problem , but my new iPhone pro 15 max doesn’t.

When I connect it tells me that “a software update is needed to connect to iPhone pro “ I can learn more … not now or install.

When I click install - it shows a phone icon then downloading 1 item… downloading

then after a few minutes I get an error with :

Can’t install the software because it is not currently available from the software update server.

if anyone has got an ideas I’d be grateful