iTunes cannot sync... apps installed on the iPhone could not be determined.

I am trying to activate an original iPhone. I keep running into issues (partially because the rest of the world is activating 4Gs phones). I would appreciate any help that is available.

I am working on a MacBook running OSX 10.5.8. My iTunes has been updated- 10.5.

I am currently getting a message- iTunes cannot sync apps to the iPhone “MRL iphone” because the apps installed on the iPhone could not be determined. The iphone screen shows the usb cord/plug pointing to the itunes logo whether attached to a computer or not. And says slide for emergency use.

-I have restored to factory settings several times both from a previous backup and set up as new phone.
-I have even attempted to use another Mac and a family member's windows machine with similar results on all.
-I have uninstalled and reinstalled iTunes
-I have put the phone into the recovery mode and restored from there
-I have restarted both the computer and phone numerous times
-I have replace the SIM card with a new card from the provider
-I have received an email saying the phone was activated (and have called to verify with the service provider)

I'm sure there are other things I have tried as well that I am forgetting, as I have been at this now for about 3days. There have been times when I got nothing but a breif "accessing iTunes store" and then a white screen with the grey word iPhone in the middle. At least now I have the normal summary screen when clicking on the device. Unfortunately I am still getting an error "iTunes cannot sync apps to the iPhone “MRL iphone” because the apps installed on the iPhone could not be determined." I am not attempting to sync apps, just sync the phone to get a current/clean backup. I will want to sync the apps, just haven't been able to get that far.

By the way, prior to starting this process the iphone worked perfectly- no issues. This just seems to have become an issue when I attempted to restore to factory settings for a clean start with the new line.

This is the furthest I have been able to get in the process. I really need to get this up and running soon as I will need the phone for the work week.

Please help!

Posted on Oct 15, 2011 6:52 PM

240 replies

Sep 1, 2012 7:44 AM in response to kimmbo

Well do you have a better way to get into the library folder?

kimmbo

Level 1

0 points

Sep 1, 2012 7:45 AM in response to alexfrompittsburgh

yes, proof read your submissions

Sep 1, 2012 7:49 AM in response to kimmbo

There's 3 ways to get into the library folder without downloading additional software besides that and that is by far the easiest. And just as an FYI, I'm 15. I'm in honors English. But I'm still only 15, my grammar isn't going to be perfect. And I'm typing this on my iPod.

kimmbo

Level 1

0 points

Sep 1, 2012 7:55 AM in response to alexfrompittsburgh

*there are 3 ways

ok you're 15, a hint of advise, read your posts before posting them, you might be being helpful but they are just confusing.

Oh and I've been drinking for 12 hours at this point. so no contest.

Sep 1, 2012 7:57 AM in response to kimmbo

That there's was an autocorrect issue. I'm just short on time right now.

VetonS

Level 1

0 points

Sep 1, 2012 9:14 AM in response to alexfrompittsburgh

thanks a lot man, it's ok now 🙂

Sep 1, 2012 1:09 PM in response to VetonS

Awesome!

Sep 12, 2012 8:32 PM in response to alexfrompittsburgh

worked like a charm for me! thanks alex!!

bobackz

Level 1

16 points

Sep 12, 2012 11:18 PM in response to alexfrompittsburgh

how do i do this with windows 7? i just updated iTunes to 10.7.0.21 and this problem started. I shouldn't have updated 😟

Sep 13, 2012 3:38 AM in response to bobackz

Hi bobackz,

I've never actually experienced this problem on windows 7 but I'm sure that it represents the Mac solution in some ways. Shoot me an email at alex.taffe@gmail.com and we can figure it out there and then I can post the final solution on this thread.

Sep 16, 2012 1:17 PM in response to Chaoscrdntr13

hloo

my problem for iphon pless help me i tunes cannot sync apps to the iphon .... because the apps installed on iphon could not be detemined

Sep 16, 2012 1:59 PM in response to kardoosman

What? You need to explain the situation and spell things right, because I just don't understand.

kshap82

Level 1

4 points

Sep 19, 2012 10:24 AM in response to alexfrompittsburgh

Hi alexfrompittsburgh, I have several iOS devices that I sync in iTunes. Yesterday iTunes suddenly couldn't sync any apps because of the problem discussed here, and iTunes couldn't back up any of the devices either. I don't know why this happened, but I followed your instructions and fixed the syncing on all 4 devices affected. Thanks so much for posting them, they really helped me out.

Sep 19, 2012 5:34 PM in response to alexfrompittsburgh

Alex's information worked. My iPhone 4 is syncing now, passed the apps, and now my music is being synced again (finally).

I just avoided the most boring commute tomorrow.

ibp726

Level 1

4 points

Sep 19, 2012 11:03 PM in response to alexfrompittsburgh

Thanks Alex - ran into this problem and your solution worked for me ➕

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

iTunes cannot sync... apps installed on the iPhone could not be determined.