Problems with iTunes 12.7 reduced functionality

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Level 1

13 points

Problems with iTunes 12.7 reduced functionality

Here’s a query which may not be unique. The changes that have come announced with the latest iTunes version have brought problems. Not being able to create device back-ups to a Mac via iTunes is terrible idea, which shows lack of clear thinking on Apple's part.

I’ve an iPod Touch, iPhone and iPad Pro, and have over 600 apps of various sizes over the years. Each device has a different combination and number, according to their usefulness on that device, and are arranged specifically in different named groups over a number of screens for each device. If I have to reinstate all apps without an iTunes backup, how can I achieve the original state without taking a phenomenal amount of time and effort (if I can achieve this at all!)?

Ringtone back-up has also been removed. Will I continue to be able to add custom ringtones in iOS11? If so, how will I be able to do this?

(By the way, how do you contact Apple support directly? This also seems to have been scrubbed recently)

MacBook Pro with Retina display, OS X El Capitan (10.11.6)

Posted on Sep 18, 2017 3:41 PM

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Answer 1

Rysz

Level 8

44,455 points

Sep 18, 2017 7:14 PM in response to sh00kie

Your iDevice backups include all app data and your settings, which includes your home screen arrangements. If you ever have to completely erase, then restore a specific device, the apps will be redownloaded from the App Store.

Ringtones have not been removed from your devices and for the first time, purchased ones can be redownloaded for free. Custom-made ringtones can be added to devices in iTunes via drag and drop directly to the device.

To provide feedback directly to Apple, use this link: http://www.apple.com/feedback/

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Answer 2

Rysz

Level 8

44,455 points

Oct 9, 2017 10:25 AM in response to sh00kie

FWIW, Apple just released iTunes version 12.6.3 that brings back App and Ringtone management support.

See this User Tip for more details.

https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-12172

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Answer 3

Sep 28, 2017 6:10 PM in response to Rysz

Point blank. iTunes 12.7 is terrible. Once again Apple strikes out big time with the release of iTunes 12.7 by removing the Apps store for the iPhone apps from iTunes. You guys really know how to hurt people. Just like the iCloud migration update where people lost tons of data because you guys thought that you could make more money off of iCloud storage.

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Answer 4

momvtj

Level 1

8 points

Dec 31, 2017 7:12 PM in response to sh00kie

Help!

I had to restore my iPhone 6 after installing IOS 11 where I started to experience painfully slow response times to phone calls and touch for icons. After the factory restore I thought I could arrange my apps via iTunes but no such luck. I have over 200 apps and have to try to manually arrange them again. This is taking forever on my iPhone - it would be so much easier to do it via iTunes...Apple are you listening???? Is there an easier way to arrange my apps?

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