iTunes says my iPhone 6s needs to be updated to iOS 9.2.1 despite the fact that it is already on iOS 9.2.1. The phone's Software Update shows it up to date, yet iTunes seems to think it is not. What to do?
MacBook Air (13-inch, Early 2014), OS X Yosemite (10.10.1), 16 GB Ram; 480 GB SSD
What, exactly is happening and what are you attempting to do when it happens?
Cheers,
GB
iOS 9.2.1 was revised to fix the error 53 issue without changing the version number. It’s your choice what to do.
(139813)
Gail, all I did was plug my phone into my laptop to charge it. As I said, iTunes activated normally and it indicates my phone needs to be updated to 9.2.1 despite the fact that it is already on iOS 9.2.1. The phone's Software Update shows it up to date.
Neil, where did you learn that? I have not heard anything about 9.2.1 being revised without changing the update number. Isn't it odd that iTunes says an update is needed, but the phone does not?
Also, I decided to go ahead and initiate the update via iTunes. Whatever it is, it is downloading now. I'm currently on a slow connection, so it indicates 4 more hours to go.
What version of iTunes are you running?
Also, have you recently experienced an Error 53?
From Apple:
For anyone who experienced error 53, Apple has released an update to iOS 9.2.1 to allow you to successfully restore your device using iTunes on your Mac or PC. Use the steps in this article to restore and recover your device. If you believe that you paid for an out-of-warranty device replacement based on an error 53 issue, contact Apple Support to ask about reimbursement.
Here's a link to the entire article: If you see error 53 and your iPhone or iPad gets stuck on the 'Connect to iTunes' screen - Apple Support
Cheers,
GB
iTunes 12.3.2.35. No, I have not seen or heard of Error 53 until you and Neil mentioned it. I did the update and it completed. Everything appears fine now. That is a very odd and confusing way to deal with an update. I'm going to send feedback to Apple.
Exact same thing happening to me today.
iPhone 6S+
iPhone Version: 9.2.1
iTunes Version: 12.3.2.35
When I connect my iPhone to my Macbook and launch iTunes, it asks if I want to update to version 9.2.1. On the Summary Tab, it says:
iOS 9.2.1
A new version of the iPhone software is available (version 9.2.1). To update your iPhone with the latest software, click Update.
Note: when I go to Settings > General > Software Update on my iPhone it says, "iOS 9.2.1 / Your software is up to date."
Very strange.
The update for the Error 53 was pushed to iTunes only. It is the same release number. It will not hurt anything for you do do the update - just make sure you have a current backup.
Cheers,
GB
Apple released an update to iOS that only shows up if you connect your phone to iTunes on a computer. It is to correct the Error 53 issue. If does hae the same version number as what is already on your phone.
That is very poor version control. Thanks for the info.
It was a firestorm and they were doing their best to implement damage-control. This was not a planned release.
Most welcome 🙂
Cheers,
GB
steelei wrote:
That is very poor version control. Thanks for the info.
It was quite intentional. It's because it was a special kind of update, called a slipstream update. It only appears if you plug your phone into iTunes. To have two different version numbers, one for people who updated OTA and the other for people who updated by plugging into iTunes would be far more confusing.
You probably don't remember the confusion when a special version of iOS was released for CDMA phones (this was the iPhone 4) but not for GSM phones. People with GSM phones were upset they didn't have the "latest" version when it simply didn't apply to them.
steelei wrote:
That is very poor version control. Thanks for the info.
No, it is excellent version control. A version consists of more than just the major, minor and point. The full version identifier of the latest release (which you can see if you go to Settings/General/About) is 9.2.1 (13D20) where 13D20 is the build number. The previous version was 9.2.1 (13D15). It is normal not to change the first 3 elements if the update results in no functional changes, is outside of the normal release cycle, or is an emergency response. In this case it was all 3. In source code control systems it is called a "branch" that will later be integrated into mainline code. There are already later versions in development, but this change was made to a currently deployed version because it could not wait for the normal release cycle. It will also have to be made to whatever versions are in development.
If you want to learn more about version control I suggest visiting http://git-scm.com/about.
I fully disagree with your point of view, Lawrence. I assert that based on the volume of confused iPhone users this was/is VERY confusing version control. It might make sense in some Apple engineer or someone with who loves the technical details of software management, but the fact is, the VAST majority of human beings who own an iPhone are NOT educated about a subtle version update like this. The impact is a lot of wasted time.
AMCarter3 wrote:
I fully disagree with your point of view, Lawrence.
Larry isn't describing his opinion. He's describing how version control works and how it's used. I find it annoying that some calendars start the week on Monday but, that's ISO compliant. The calendar makers are not being any more capricious than Apple is in this case.
I'm not trying to start an argument with either of you. However, the statement "it is excellent version control" IS an opinion. It is not a fact. And I disagree with that opinion.
Why does iTunes say my iPhone 6s needs to be updated to iOS 9.2.1
