iTunes update in Mojave fails on 26.7 iPhone update attempt

When attempting to update my iPhone 15 + to 26.7, using iTunes on a MacPro (Mid 2010) running Mojave 10.14.6. Update fails! Says I need a software update before iTunes can update the iPhone but the software download never completes. Says it can’t connect to the update server?? iTunes in Mojave has always updated my iPhone 15 Plus and my iPad Pro.


Any ideas or help would be greatly appreciated!

Earlier Mac models

Posted on Sep 15, 2026 1:47 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Sep 18, 2026 2:33 PM

Hi there


Please try this


The easiest way to bypass iTunes server connection errors is to let the iPhone handle the update itself: 


  1. Disconnect your iPhone from your Mac Pro.
  2. On your iPhone, go to Settings > General > Software Update.
  3. Download and install the update over a stable Wi-Fi connection. 


2 replies

Sep 21, 2026 12:05 PM in response to WheelieNick

Dear WheelieNick,


Thank you for your response. I’m aware you can do “Over the air” updates however, it is my understanding that they are “Incremental updates” downloading only the code that has changed. Using iTunes or using Finder with later OS’s download the complete code contained in the OS update. I’ve always believed a “Complete” update is hopefully more reliable and less error prone because that is what the Apple developers test on. I might be wrong, but I believe this to be true.


Sincerely,

Dave Hill

iTunes update in Mojave fails on 26.7 iPhone update attempt

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