iphone 12 pro max won't connect to itunes on my laptop

Macca793 wrote:

I am trying to set up my new iphone 12 pro max but it says 'unable to activate' [an update is required to activate your iphone. when connected to itunes it doesn't connect but does charge

Finder>Locations>iOS devices (if you do not see it in the sidebar, the open Finder>Settings and make a change)

ref: If your device doesn't appear in the sidebar when ...

The current stable release of Sonoma including bug fixes, security updates is macOS 14.5

Keep your Mac up to date - Apple Support

Keep your Mac up to date - Apple Support

The current stable release of iOS including bug fixes, security updates is iOS 17.5.1

Update your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support

You can use cellular to update the iPhone if you are so far behind the macOS will not do it for you...