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How to locally sync an iPhone with OS X Mavericks? iCloud is NOT an option.

I read that OS X Mavericks will no longer allow me to use iTunes to sync my iPhone to a local system but makes iCloud mandatory? Is that correct?


iCloud is not a valid option for me since I have no control about my data there, I need to keep all my data (contacts, calendar...) on a system under my control and so far iTunes allowed me to do that which was one of the reasons I didn't even consider Android or Windows Phone.

OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.5)

Posted on Oct 20, 2013 8:54 AM

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3,162 replies

Nov 9, 2013 9:35 AM in response to Birthdoula

Many others share your view, Birthdoula.


This seemingly innocuous little change carries very heavy implications for data-security, convenience and control.


There are a number of uncomfortable options that can be found in these forums, but whatever option is chosen should not distract one from letting Apple know how they feel.

Concerned users should remember that this issue encompasses three areas, so feedback should be provided to Apple through the relevant channels for iPhone, iTunes and Mac OS X at:


http://www.apple.com/feedback/iphone.html


http://www.apple.com/feedback/itunesapp.html


http://www.apple.com/feedback/macosx.html


Feedback to Apple should always be constructive, informative and non-abusive. They are an intelligent company and they are more likely to respond to intelligent argument than flame-filled demands.


Some people have spoken to their respective local and national media about this issue.

Nov 9, 2013 10:30 AM in response to handsOFFmydata

handsOFFmydata wrote:


One option discussed before was setting an OSX Server and own cloud … here is a lighter option. Some technicals skills are still required.


This would involve using own web server on a networked computer, or on a personal computer, and installing ownCloud (mentioned before) to synchronize contacts/calendars and more. The footprint and overhead is much smaller than using OSX Server.


The requirements are as follows:


1. You need to have your local WLAN, or access to one to synchronize your idvices with your Mac. It can be your home network, some public network (security?), or your personal hotspot like MiFi (no cell/data connection required). You do not need Internet connection to sync, just the means to interconnect your Mac/server and your idevices.


2. Install MAMP on your networked or personal computer: http://www.mamp.info/en/mamp/index.html


MAMP installs a local server environment in a matter of seconds on your Mac OS X computer, be it MacBook or iMac … Furthermore, if MAMP is no longer needed, it is sufficient to delete the MAMP folder and everything returns to its original status (i.e. MAMP does not modify any of the "normal" OS X).


3. Install ownCloud Server 5 on the same computer, and clients on Mac(s) and idvices: http://owncloud.org/install/


More info about calendar/contacts sync under ownCloud: http://doc.owncloud.org/server/5.0/user_manual/pim/index.html


From what I read, you can use server based Calendar and Contacts using ownCloud client apps, or synchronize between your Mac and idvices apps. The latter is the goal of this exercise. Your master calendar/contacts data will reside in your own cloud on your own computer.



I will try this when I get back home in three weeks. Meantime any comments, especially those based on the first hand experience would be appreciated. Cheers!


Another question regarding personal Mac install (not a dedicated server) ...


If instead of ownCloud, I would go with Baikal ( http://baikal-server.com/ ) which seems to have even smaller footprint than ownCloud, will MAMP mentioned above provide all web server services including PHP and SQL required by Baikal?


To put it in simple terms … will MAMP and Baikal combination run on a personal Mac running OSX 10.9 (not server)?

Nov 9, 2013 11:39 AM in response to handsOFFmydata

I suggest we all just acknowledge the existance of KiltedTim, Snozdog, Petewhatever and the likes of them and leave them be. We can discuss this while skipping their contributions. Ignore is the way to go.


By the way, some great prospects have come passed. When I have time and the audacity to try I will give it a go. In the meantime I just added some more feedback to Apple the official way. Never hurts to remind them :-)

Nov 9, 2013 11:39 AM in response to Birthdoula

The problem here is that there are 1000's of users that DO NOT have the option to use only iCloud for whatever reason!!!!

This is the crux of the problem.

You don't have to use any "cloud." You just have to set up your own CalDAV and CardDAV servers. It doesn't have to be out on the internet. It can exist only within your own home network. That process is not as easy as turning on iCloud, but I imagine someone will create a simple installer to make it almost that easy.

Nov 10, 2013 2:29 AM in response to jonfromdaleville

jon from daneville - re NSA "asking" for info ... well thats a good point. That is true in the USA. I live in Australia where there are strong provacy laws. The European Union has similar privacy laws. These privacy laws mean another Government cannot just "ask" for my data in my country. Whether that Government is the USA, China or Russia.

Nov 10, 2013 3:24 AM in response to appid

appid wrote:


jon from daneville - re NSA "asking" for info ... well thats a good point. That is true in the USA. I live in Australia where there are strong provacy laws. The European Union has similar privacy laws. These privacy laws mean another Government cannot just "ask" for my data in my country. Whether that Government is the USA, China or Russia.

And you really think that just because these laws exist that

you are protected? Anyone or any agency that really wants your

info will get get it, legally or not!!!

How to locally sync an iPhone with OS X Mavericks? iCloud is NOT an option.

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