Syncing iDevice on Linux

Question

Syncing iDevice on Linux

I'm using the latest version of Linux Ubuntu 14.04 LTS, and would like to know if there is a way to synchronize an iDevice on this platform. iTunes will not install correctly, and the Apple Mobile Service will not run correctly under WINE. I've found tutorials on connecting and syncing using Rythmbox, but those tutorials were all written for Ubuntu 10, and no longer work with iOS 8.

Is there any way to synchronize an iDevice without using iTunes? I can't even access the files because my iPod touch "refuses to mount."

iPod touch (5th generation), iOS 7.1.2

Posted on Mar 10, 2015 9:31 AM

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Answer 1

Mar 10, 2015 9:40 AM in response to SuperSluether

Maybe this might help you, try https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jIn1oYa10J0

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Answer 2

Mar 10, 2015 10:12 AM in response to Allan Eckert

Thanks Allen, but this still doesn't work for what I'm trying to do. I'm trying to synchronize my iDevice, and PlayOnLinux specifically says this (along with 64-bit versions) does not work. The PlayOnLinux version is also iTunes 10, so I'm not sure what compatibility problems might arise since I'm using iOS 8.2. Still, thanks for the link.

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Answer 3

Mar 10, 2015 10:19 AM in response to SuperSluether

I just found something interesting: after unplugging, rebooting, and plugging my iPod touch back in, it asked me if I wanted to trust the computer. After hitting Trust, Linux was able to mount my iPod touch (it still thinks there's an iPhone that it's unable to mount).

By going to iPod touch > iTunes_Control > Music, I find a series of folders named F00 to F49. Some of these folders are empty, others have single or multiple music files. The file names have no relation to the music, but when I play it through VLC Media Player I'm able to see the song title, artist, etc.

If I can figure out how music is stored in these Fxx folders, maybe I can just copy/paste music onto my iPod touch.

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Answer 4

turingtest2

Level 10

278,061 points

Mar 10, 2015 10:46 AM in response to SuperSluether

You may have more luck with this version: iTunes for Windows (64-bit — for older video cards)

Apple devices store media files in those F## folders with short random file names as, one assumes, an anti-piracy measure. Dropping files at random into the mix won't work, they need to introduced the the device's database too. iTunes normally does this but there are applications that can do it. MediaMonkey is one I have used occasionally (in Windows) for copying files in both directions.

tt2

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Answer 5

Mar 11, 2015 7:37 AM in response to turingtest2

Thanks for your help. The version of iTunes that you linked was able to install and open, but Bonjour and the Apple Mobile Device service do not work correctly under Wine, so I'm still unable to sync my iPod.

MediaMonkey installs, but doesn't open. But since I have to dual-boot to sync my iPod anyway, I'll give it a whirl on Windows.

Bottom Line: Apple needs Linux support.

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Answer 6

turingtest2

Level 10

278,061 points

Mar 11, 2015 8:06 AM in response to SuperSluether

You're welcome. 🙂

Bottom Line: Apple needs Linux support.

I guess Apple disagree, at least for now. If/when Linux gains a significant share of the consumer desktop market that position could change.

tt2

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Answer 7

ChooKing

Level 1

0 points

Aug 21, 2015 10:06 AM in response to SuperSluether

I have a 5th generation iPod Touch that goes through the whole synchronization process with Banshee on Linux Mint. All files appear in the iTunes/Music folder of the iPod, but the iTunes app does not acknowledge that there is any music. It seems that there may be an issue in getting the iTunes database to update, but I do not know what to do.

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