HT201210: If you see an error when you update or restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod

Learn about If you see an error when you update or restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod
Ariel Shoresh
Level 1 (19 points)
iPhone

Q: Need older i Touch software so I can connect to my mac

I was having problems with my i Touch (2013ish model) last night, so I tried to do the restore from back up on it's host mac, which is an old 2010 Macbook.  I followed the directions to restore on my macbook, but the Touch got bricked and said that my build was incorrect. I searched solutions, then tried to update again with another airbook. That got the phone restored but to the new 12.2 and my Macbook's OS system doesn't recognize it.  Is there a link where I can somehow get the former software for my iTouch?  My macbook can't upgrade to whatever operating system my i Touch is requiring. I just want to use the stuff I have paid for.   Thanks.

OBS iPod touch, iOS 9.3.5

Posted on Sep 19, 2016 8:33 AM

by Limnos,Solvedanswer
Limnos Limnos
Level 9 (54,621 points)
Mac OS X
A:

Apple does not support downgrading iOS. You have no option but to upgrade OSX so you can run the newest iTunes.

Posted on Sep 26, 2016 9:05 PM

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Ariel Shoresh

Q: Need older i Touch software so I can connect to my mac

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  • Helpful answers

  • by norm123,

    norm123 norm123 Sep 20, 2016 7:54 AM in response to Ariel Shoresh
    Community Specialists
    Sep 20, 2016 7:54 AM in response to Ariel Shoresh
    HI Ariel Shoresh,

    I understand that after getting your iPod Touch restored using another computer, it's not longer being recognized by your normally used MacBook. I know it's important to be able to sync your content to your devices, so I'm happy to help.

    From what you've described, it sounds like the OS X installation on your MacBook is not up to date enough for the newer version of iTunes required to use your iPod Touch. This article mentions the the system requirements for OS X El Capitan, which seems to include your 2010 MacBook:

    OS X El Capitan - Technical Specifications

    Mac Hardware Requirements

    For details about your Mac model, click the Apple icon at the top left of your screen, choose About This Mac, then choose More Info. These Mac models are compatible with OS X El Capitan:

    • MacBook (Early 2015)
    • MacBook (Late 2008 Aluminum, or Early 2009 or newer)
    • MacBook Pro (Mid/Late 2007 or newer)
    • MacBook Air (Late 2008 or newer)
    • Mac mini (Early 2009 or newer)
    • iMac (Mid 2007 or newer)
    • Mac Pro (Early 2008 or newer)
    • Xserve (Early 2009)


    Once you've confirmed that your MacBook is on the list, you can upgrade to El Capitan using the steps here:

    Upgrade to OS X El Capitan - Apple Support

    Once you've gotten your MacBook updated, you'll want to tackle iTunes not seeing your iPod Touch. This article has more information on how to do so:

    If iTunes doesn't recognize your iPhone, iPad, or iPod - Apple Support

    Thanks for using the Apple Support Communities. Cheers!

  • by Ariel Shoresh,

    Ariel Shoresh Ariel Shoresh Sep 26, 2016 8:59 PM in response to Ariel Shoresh
    Level 1 (19 points)
    iPhone
    Sep 26, 2016 8:59 PM in response to Ariel Shoresh

    I've been trying to download the new software for a week, and it goes for a good half-hour with no change. Since I also am using older software (I cannot afford to upgrade hardware) I'm now afraid if I did manage to get this thing to update I wouldn't be able to use my office software.  Do you know of a trustworthy link I can access to downgrade my ipod so I can use it again.  Right now I'm using an ancient ipod on its last legs but all my apps are trapped. I have the backup file to restore the ipod, so all I need is the ability to have the ipod talk to my system.

  • by Limnos,Solvedanswer

    Limnos Limnos Sep 26, 2016 9:05 PM in response to Ariel Shoresh
    Level 9 (54,621 points)
    Mac OS X
    Sep 26, 2016 9:05 PM in response to Ariel Shoresh

    Apple does not support downgrading iOS. You have no option but to upgrade OSX so you can run the newest iTunes.

  • by Ariel Shoresh,

    Ariel Shoresh Ariel Shoresh Sep 26, 2016 9:16 PM in response to Limnos
    Level 1 (19 points)
    iPhone
    Sep 26, 2016 9:16 PM in response to Limnos

    I had only tried to restore my ipod since it was having errors - the itunes program only allowed "restore and upgrade" as a single option. I didn't *want* to upgrade my operating system because of the age of my laptop and my software. If I have to chose between keeping my current system and work files or using my ipod - I'd rather just sell the ipod and switch to a different system when I do upgrade. Thanks for the assistance in trying to get this sorted.