The photos app will recognize the iPhone but the thing will not actually start to import any photos. I also tried checking the cables and the usual restarts, software updates, ect and nothing gets the app to the place where the pictures are displayed and can be imported. Worked fine less than two weeks ago.
It's a long shot but give this a try: boot into Safe Mode according to How to use safe mode on your Mac and test to see if the problem persists. Reboot normally and test again.
NOTE 1: Safe Mode boot can take up to 3 - 5 minutes as it's doing the following;
• Verifies your startup disk and attempts to repair directory issues, if needed
• Loads only required kernel extensions (prevents 3rd party kernel/extensions from loading)
• Prevents Startup Items and Login Items from opening automatically
• Disables user-installed fonts
• Deletes font caches, kernel cache, and other system cache files
NOTE 2: if you have a wireless keyboard with rechargeable batteries connect it with its charging cable before booting into Safe Mode. This makes it act as a wired keyboard as will insure a successful boot into Safe Mode.
Please read the following user tip and restate your question/problem in detail:
Writing an Effective Apple Support Communities Question - Apple Community
With the iPhone connected via its USB cable open Image Capture and see if it recognizes the iPhone?
Yes I also tried image capture but the same issue occurs where the phone is recognized but the same issue happens where no images show up for importing. The screen remains white while it prepares to import anything.
Photos app not working with iphone to import images
