Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

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

Reply
240 replies

Oct 16, 2011 7:14 AM in response to Chaoscrdntr13

I left the phone plugged into itunes overnight so as not to loose any of the progress I made. This morning when I click sync, I am getting two new messages... "itunes could not sync information to the iphone because a connestion could not be established to the iphone." AND "itunes could not back up the iphone because the backup session failed."

Oct 16, 2011 7:44 AM in response to Chaoscrdntr13

I had this error come up repeatedly for my iPad - both just on its own (wireless sync) and when I plugged it into the computer.


I switched it from "Back up to iCloud" back to "Back up to this computer" and pressed "Apply" and then "Sync" and it now all seems to be happy again.


As an aside, "Back up?" I'd always thought "Backup" or "Back-up." Well alrighty then.

Oct 16, 2011 10:00 AM in response to tvjames

I'm not sure if the iCloud backup is an option on the original iPhone. I have looked around the summary page and different menus, but do not see anything about iCloud. Would you please tell me where to look for this option?


In answer to the aside," "Back up?" I'd always thought "Backup" or "Back-up." " I would have to agree, but apparently the Apple programers didn't or didn't notice the typo. I just copied and pasted the error directly from itunes. ;-)

Oct 31, 2011 11:28 AM in response to javapda

Not sure if this is a solution or not but it seemed to work for me. Simply restart your iphone. 🙂


From the iphone troubleshooting page


To restart iPhone, first turn iPhone off by pressing and holding the Sleep/Wake button until a red slider appears. Slide your finger across the slider and iPhone will turn off after a few moments.

Next, turn iPhone on by pressing and holding the Sleep/Wake button until the Apple logo appears.

Oct 31, 2011 2:42 PM in response to krspencer2001

I have not been able to get the phone to work yet. I have tried the restarts multiple times- both the phone and computer. I have also tried resetting the phone entirely with the restore option. Doesn't seem to want to work. I still have the same issue.


I'm open to any ideas though. Please let me know if you find something else that works for you. I'll do the same.

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

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple ID.