Sync iPhone 17 to old MacBook Pro 11.7.11

Sync content between your Mac and iPhone or iPad - Apple Support

If your iPhone doesn't show up when connected by a cable, check that

• The "CDs, DVDs, and iOS Devices" box is checked off under Finder > Settings (Sidebar tab)
• You are using a cable that is rated to carry data. Some charging cables carry only power and do not allow the computer and phone to see each other.

marvz112 wrote:

I never thought of the charging cable as the problem. I never thought that there are two kinds of cables, charging cable and data cable. I thought a charging cable is one and the same, for charging and data.

Charging-only cables can be slightly cheaper for a manufacturer to make - because they can leave out wires. Down at the bottom end of the market, that tempts manufacturers to cut corners.

When I read your reply, it suddenly dawn at me that it could be the problem and not some Xcode or file that needs to be installed as other replies in forums have said and pointed.

I believe the posts in those threads were from people who were trying to manage iPhones using High Sierra. To the best of my knowledge, the issue does not affect Catalina and later – and you're running Big Sur.

I just bought a data cable and tried connecting my iPhone 17 and my MacBook and whoa! I now see my iPhone in the Finder Window! So much gratitude and appreciation to you, Servant of Cats, for your reply. Thank you, thank you!

You're welcome.