iPhone 13 Pro is stuck on "Sync (Step 2 of 4) - Preparing to Sync"
Details:
iPhone 13 Pro running iOS 17.2.1 connected via Lightning-to-USB-C cable to MacBook Pro 16" M1 Max running macOS Ventura 13.6.3
Problem:
Syncing (see screenshot above) seems to be stuck here. I have tried this several times, just in the course of trying to update the iPhone to iOS 17.2.1, which I was intending to do as usual via Finder. Trying to cancel the sync so as to proceed to the update didn't work; the update got to a point where it wanted to know whether to cancel the sync and proceed with the update, or let the sync continue. Unchecking Automatic Sync on connection, then reconnecting also didn't work; after reconnecting the Sync ran nevertheless. I finally ended up installing the update wirelessly instead, and have now returned to attempting to sync while connected to the Mac, in the hopes that the update might have changed something. With respect to taking ages to get past step 2, it evidently didn't.
Now I'm wondering what processes are involved so that I can see in the Activity Monitor what might be stuck. I did notice -- or think I did (after trying so often one isn't sure of anything anymore) -- that I wasn't prompted to enter the passcode on the iPhone to OK the connection to the Mac.
Suffice to say, I have tried some of the solutions mentioned in similar threads, e.g., turning off Bluetooth and Hotspot, and turning on Airplane Mode on the iPhone, all to no avail.
Any and all suggestions welcome.
[Re-Titled by Moderator]
iPhone 13 Pro, iOS 17