iOS 26.5.2 won't allow backup to my MacBook

If you're experiencing difficulty connecting your iPhone to your Mac, there are a few steps you can take to troubleshoot the issue:

1. Check the USB cable and ports: Ensure that you're using a certified Lightning to USB cable and try connecting it to different USB ports on your Mac. Also, check for any physical damage or debris in the ports that may be preventing a proper connection. Use genuine cable --> Identify counterfeit or uncertified Lightning connector accessories ...
2. Disconnect all other USB devices from your computer, except for your keyboard and mouse. --> Resolve USB-related alerts in iTunes/Finder - Apple Support
3. Search for accessories that have completed MFi certification. Once an accessory has completed MFi certification requirements and is reported to Apple as sold/distributed, it will be searchable in our public database of authorized Lightning, headset, charging, iAP-enabled, and Find My network-enabled accessories.
4. Learn how to identify counterfeit or uncertified Lightning-based accessories.
5. Restart your iPhone and Mac: Sometimes, restarting your devices can resolve temporary connection issues. Restart both your iPhone and your Mac, and then try connecting them again.
   1. Restart the device. That's it.
   2. Still not solved --> Force restart iPhone - Apple Support
6. Search for accessories that have completed MFi certification. Once an accessory has completed MFi certification requirements and is reported to Apple as sold/distributed, it will be searchable in our public database of authorized Lightning, headset, charging, iAP-enabled, and Find My network-enabled accessories.
   1. Learn how to identify counterfeit or uncertified Lightning-based accessories.
7. Update your software: Make sure that both your iPhone and Mac are running the latest software versions. On your iPhone, go to Settings > General > Software Update, and on your Mac, go to the Apple menu > System Preferences > Software Update.
   1. Update Over-the-Air (OTA) —> Update your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support (IN)
   2. Update using iTunes/Finder —> Update your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support (IN)
8. Trust the computer: When connecting your iPhone to your Mac for the first time, you may need to trust the computer on your iPhone. Unlock your iPhone and check for any prompts asking you to trust the connected computer. Confirm the trust request on your iPhone. About the “Trust This Computer” alert message on your ...
9. Try a different port, cable, or computer. The issue could be related to your computer, its USB port, or the USB cable connecting it to your device. If possible, try a different computer, USB port, or USB cable. Also, check for any debris in the charging port on the bottom of your iPhone or iPad. --> If your computer doesn't recognize your iPhone, iPad, or iPod ...
10. Reset your iPhone's settings: If the issue persists, you can try resetting your iPhone's settings. Go to Settings > General > Transfer & Reset > Reset > Reset All Settings. This will not erase your data but will reset your settings to their default values. After the reset, attempt to connect your iPhone to your Mac again. Return iPhone settings to their defaults - Apple Support (IN)
11. Update iTunes or Finder (macOS Catalina or later): If you're using a Mac running macOS Mojave or earlier, make sure you have the latest version of iTunes installed. If you're using macOS Catalina or later, iTunes has been replaced with Finder for device management. Ensure that you have the latest macOS updates installed, which should include the latest version of Finder. Update macOS on Mac
12. Check for conflicting software: Sometimes, third-party security software or firewalls can interfere with the connection between your iPhone and Mac. Temporarily disable any security software or firewalls and see if that resolves the issue.

If you are experiencing an issue not listed here, contact support as they can provide specific troubleshooting steps based on your situation.

Please let us know if another cable works when you can. We'll have to assume that the ports are still working correctly on the iPhone and Mac.

Are you able to charge the iPhone using a cable? Any way that you can connect another device using a cable to the port on the Mac?

If everything still checks out.......please try the following on your iPhone:

Disconnect the cable if it is attached

Tap on Settings on the iPhone

Tap General

Tap Transfer or Reset Device

Tap Reset

Tap Reset Location & Privacy

Restart the iPhone again

Restart the Mac again

Connect the cable from your Mac to the iPhone

Does a message to "Trust This Computer" appear on the iPhone?

If yes, tap Trust

Check to see if a similar message appears on your Mac. It may or may not appear. If it appears, click Trust on the Mac

Try to run a backup again

Apple has some suggestions here, including removing add-on VPN apps:

If your computer doesn't recognize your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support

What macOS version are you using?

Backing up an iOS 26 device to a Mac requires macOS Catalina (10.15) or later. Hopefully you are using macOS Monterey, the latest version your hardware supports.

Welcome to the discussions.

First, please understand that you have posted to a user-to-user support site. We are all users here......just like you. Apple is not here. They will not see your post or reply.

If you want to work directly with Apple, you can contact them here.......Support

If you want one or more of the iPhone experts who answer questions on this site to help, please continue reading.

Have you powered off both your Mac and iPhone and restarted them?

Do you have a cable connected between the iPhone and Mac?

Understand this is not specifically to Apple support but figured they skim these and might see it.

In 18+ years on the user-to-user sites, I cannot recall any answer that was posted by Apple. I suppose that someone from Apple might see a post here, but even they might, they will not respond here.

I'm not clear on whether you want to work directly with Apple or with one or more of the volunteers here.

If you want to continue here, I assume that you have also checked using a different connecting cable....correct?

Mithranduer wrote:

... but with the iOS 26.5.2 my iPhone

Not every issue an individual encounters on their device can be attributed to an iOS update. If the update itself were the root cause, then every device running that same version of iOS would exhibit the identical problem. In such a scenario, the forums would be flooded with countless posts reporting the same malfunction, creating an unmistakable wave of complaints that no one could possibly overlook. The absence of such widespread reports strongly indicates that the issue is not systemic, but rather specific to the device in question.

Mithranduer wrote:

Apple please remedy this!

This platform is designed as a user-to-user forum with Apple Inc. acting as a moderator. The primary objective is to foster a community where users can participate in meaningful discussions while adhering to established guidelines.

This platform serves as a space for users to engage in meaningful conversations, share information, and exchange ideas related to Apple products. It's a community-driven initiative where users support each other by sharing their experiences and technical expertise in using Apple devices. While Apple Inc. is not actively participating in these discussions, the forum is a valuable resource for seeking guidance and assistance from fellow users who possess a wealth of experience with Apple products. Feel free to explore the discussions, ask questions, and benefit from the collective knowledge of this community.

Search for accessories that have completed MFi certification. Once an accessory has completed MFi certification requirements and is reported to Apple as sold/distributed, it will be searchable in our public database of authorized Lightning, headset, charging, iAP-enabled, and Find My network-enabled accessories.

Learn how to identify counterfeit or uncertified Lightning-based accessories.

You may try this (The suggestion is intended as a guide to help you find the right options and should not be interpreted as an endorsement or promotion of any product. Please conduct your own research and make an informed purchasing decision.) --> https://amzn.in/d/06mPoWvc

I have only I phone 15 and 14 pro max and MacBook Air with me I don’t have any headphones device this 3 device I want to use Apple ID with iCloud id securely