Q: iTunes stuck on last stage of sync, "Waiting for items to copy", NEVER COMPLETES??

I just had a similar issue with my iPad 1. Unfortunately it took several hours on the phone with Apple to correct this. Basically an update didn't install correctly. It's not something I can explain how to fix but well worth the call to Apple. It won't work for you to just try to update there were a few other steps to perform. Wish I could explain it better but a call to Apple asking them to help with a bad update might help. I did have to speak with a senior rep to get this done. Good luck.

Here's what worked for me - leading me to believe everyone's issue is likely different.

Since iOS5 was released, my iPhone 4 (3GS/Verizon) wouldn't appear to sync completely through iTunes (latest version). It would get stuck at "waiting for items to copy".

     However, the iPhone seemed to work fine.

A week ago, I started an iPhone app I'd had for some time. It was for a local radio station (WJR 760 / AM Detroit).

     The app was from 'AirKast'. It now no longer seemed to work on the iPhone.

     Based on internet research, I deleted that app and re-installed it on the iPhone from iTunes.

Now not only does that app work again, but my iTunes appears to finish syncing my iPhone every time.

Hope that or something similar helps a couple of people experiencing the problem anyway.

I got this message while syncing my iPad (via wire).  It was trying to sync photos.

I had the Photo application open (in the background) on the iPad.  When I killed that app (double click the home button, press down until the apps jump, hit the minus sign on Photo) the sync resumed and completed very soon.

It may be that some of these 'waiting' problems are because something is open on the device you are trying to sync.

I stopped all the apps running on my iPhone before syncing, and it works perfectly now. Seems like some app was locking something which blocked iTunes from completing the sync.

Stopping all the apps on iPhone seems to have worked for me as well! Good one iccaprar!

Didn'twork for me

Tom, i agree and feel like we shouldn't have to delete things to fix a bug.  it just needs fixed.  and you guys are right... i hadn't realized it until i just read it, but this didn't happen before the 10.5 update.  any way we can email apple?

So I fixed my problem by restoring it to factory settings then restoring from a back up I had saved.  That did it, my iphone now syncs to completition.

Restoring a phone each time Apple messes up iTunes Sync is not an option.

It isn't just happening with iPhones but will ALL Apple devices!!! 

Apple should do something about this -- NOT requiring each of us to call them. 

I'm having some of the same problems.....I have the IPhone 4, updated with all the software, and it now keeps telling me. "Syncing artwork to Iphone (Step 6 of 6)  Waiting for items to copy.  Nothing seems to be working to fix make it stop.

Do delete the voice memos IN the iPhone!

I guess everyone has a different issue. Deleting the voice memos off the app and rebooting seemed to do the trick for me.

This worked for me. Thanks!

"Hey, I was having the same problem,, i just got mine to work. Take off everything but your apps (meaning take off pictures, music, ringtones, movies, tv shows, etc just leave on the apps) Then go up to the top and go to Store and turn off Genius. Restore your iPhone (It'll ask you to back up, click yes.) Restore from back up, Let your apps come back then when those are done add each category one by one. (i.e. click Photos -> Sync Photos and let them finish, then click something else like music) Hope this helps!"

This is like the second or third issue with iOS5 that the fix has ended up being to restore your device. Unacceptable. I should not have to wipe out my device everytime there's a problem and start all over like I just bought the thing. For all the bells & whistles of iOS5 I'm starting to wish I hadn't updated yet.