iTunes won't copy pictures from Windows PC to iPhone - stuck on "Reading Photos from Pictures"

So until Apple fixes this, here is a workaround: Downgrade to iTunes 12.7.3! It definitely is an iTunes 12.7.4-issue. After downgrading to 12.7.3, everything is working again.

So you have to manually uninstall 12.7.4 and download 12.7.3 from Apple (just google for the version number, you'll find it).

Problem is that you have to go back to an auto-saved iTunes Library file from when you had 12.7.3 installed. So after installing but before starting 12.7.3 you have to first rename the current "iTunes Library.itl" file to something like "iTunes Library 12-7.4.itl" and then go to the "Previous iTunes Libraries" folder and take the presumably latest autosaved itl-file and move it one folder up and rename it to "iTunes Library.itl".

(Of course this means that you'll lose all changes you made to your iTunes library since updating to 12.7.4)

Send Feedback - iTunes - Apple.

If it bugs you too much you could revert to 12.7.3.46. See the iTunes installers section of Troubleshooting issues with iTunes for Windows updates for download links for recent builds direct from Apple, instructions on removing the current build before you reinstall, and advice on rolling back the iTunes database.

tt2

Just installed iTunes 12.7.5 (available today May 30 in Australia) and I can now sync Photos without issues quickly

I had the same issues as OP did regarding photos copied from individual folders under Pictures in Windows. It’s been working for years and 12.7.4 broke it. I just downloaded 12.7.5 tonight and it does sync the photos, but they only appear under the Photos tab and not as Albums like they always have. As I have thousands of photos being transferred from individual folders on my PC, not being able to see them as Albums is highly annoying. It’s outrageous that Apple would release another version of iTunes with this error unresolved.

Yes, before any synch of iPhone or iPad you need to delete the iPod photo cache. Funny I contacted apple support and they refuse to admit the issue.

So True. I Add & Update Music & Videos for years and this is first time i am facing problem. When opening itunes after connecting device. Itunes sync and stuck in “Reading Photos from” i had leave that overnight and still shows the same message. I had deleted folder “iPod Photo Cache” and even Uninstalled and installed itunes over again but still it stuck in that message. Hopefully someone comes with an solution 🏻

Same here. I added new photos on Sunday after updating iTunes (I hadn’t updated iOS then). And when syncing iTunes got stuck at “reading. Photos from”. Deleted the iPod Cache which removed all pictures and it synced once, but (a) only copied some (about 1,700 out of 3,000) (b) it didn’t create my folders. I have no albums in the photos app except for the Apple ones. I only can see the synced photos in the collections view. Not very helpful as I need the photos I their respective folders on my phone. Updating iOS didn’t make a difference. Apple fix this already!

Also having the problem and spoke to Apple about it the other day. First, they claimed ignorance, then tried to blame it on me for having a few HEIC photos. With Apple, all of their bugs are somehow the customer’s fault. No wonder the iPhone X isn’t selling.

Same problem here on my iphone and ipad. This is very very frustrating. One of my passions is photography and posting photos to Instagram. But I am unable to sync my photos when I want to add or update to my devices. It is STUCK on reading photos from the directed file on my PC. Never had this issue until I updated to the latest version of iTunes, but I refuse to downgrade to the previous version as suggested in this post. I will be patient and wait for the next update instead, but if not fixed soon, guess what? I'm ready for a new smart phone and won't hesitate to change to another brand. Hoping I won't have to because I'm so used to Apple products.

With the exception of some community specialists who may post links to relevant support articles to post that haven't been picked up by other users Apple don't reply to threads, or announce if and when issues have been acknowledged or a scheduled to be patched. That said it would seem that this issue has been noticed, and it will hopefully be addressed in the next build.

tt2

This is becoming very, very annoying. I have spent hours and hours either on the phone to the Apple support people or online trying to sort this mess out myself. Apple just don't appear to want to know. The attitude of their staff in my local Apple shop was one of "go away". They just wouldn't admit there is a problem.

I'm in the UK . We have "Trading Standards" people who might be interested. After all, we have been sold a product that doesn't work.

Why no mention in the press? Surely they must use Ipads and Iphones?

Come on Apple, please act like a responsible company.

I really do like Apple and their hardware is first rate. But I have noticed that they do not update their support reps with information on new bugs, bug exists and when the fix will be done. Albeit it does not happen much but it does too much for me. I think it may be that they won't count the bug if they do not officially acknowledge it. This one should be a priority.

That's great news....however only version 12.7.4 is available here in the states. I will keep a look out for 12.7.5. Glad that resolved the issue for you and hope it does likewise for me and the others who have experienced this! Thanks.

Yes, Update to phone and update to iTunes has fixed the problem. Now syncs 3000 images in less than an hour.

BUT, This goes to prove Apple knew there was a problem but failed to let their support people know or post in on their site as a known problem. I spent hours days trying different methods to get the photos on my Windows 10 PC to sync.

Thanks Apple for wasting a few days of my life.

I really do like Apple products but when these issues come up I get very frustrated. Support acts like it was my problem and they ask you to go through crazy stuff like wiping the phone and reloading when it is obviously their issue, does one group even talk to another?

I reported that after upgrading to new iTunes the synch hangs on photos on every device I have. Gee whiz that is IT 101 it is iTunes not my devices!