ITunes-centric syncing: Having iTunes serve as the main method for syncing from Mac to iOS devices feels out of sync with Apple's iCloud and music streaming efforts. Bottom Line iTunes is.

iTunes Tips & Issues

iTunes is a free program for Mac and PC and it is nearly the most essential application to manage files on iPhone, iPad, and iPod. What is the latest version of iTunes? Following the release of new iOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS betas, Apple has released iTunes 12.9.4.102 for Windows only and iTunes 12.9.5.5 for macOS, which is the latest version of iTunes by now in 2019.

What is the Latest Version of iTunes – iTunes 12.9.5.5

In September 2017, iTunes updated to a new iTunes 12.7. It was a great change. This update removes the built-in App Store browser, App Store URLs are no longer handled by iTunes. This update also removes the synchronization of ringtones from iTunes, as well as the management of the local applications. According to Apple, this is all because they want iTunes to focus more on the management of media files, such as transferring music, movies, TV shows, podcasts, and audiobooks.

Even though iTunes got a little bit unfamiliar after iTunes 12.7, it still the fundamental software for every Apple user. If you have bypassed the “iTunes Update Available” notification and don’t know how to update iTunes on your PC or Mac, just follow these easy steps to download and install the latest version of iTunes in few minutes.

How to Update iTunes on PC or Mac Computer

On a Mac:

If you are using a macOS Mojave, please follow the steps below to update iTunes:

Step 1. Choose System Preferences from the Apple menu, then click Software Update to check for updates.

Step 2. If any updates are available, click the Update Now button to install them. Or click ”More info” to see details about each update and select specific updates to install.

Step 3. When Software Update says that your Mac is up to date, macOS and all of its apps are also up to date. That includes Safari, iTunes, Books, Messages, Mail, Calendar, Photos, and FaceTime.

If you are using an earlier macOS, please follow these steps to update iTunes:

Step 1. Open the App Store app on your Mac.

Step 2. Click Updates in the App Store toolbar.

Step 3. Use the Update buttons to download and install any updates listed.

Update iTunes in Earlier macOS

Step 4. When the App Store shows no more updates, your version of macOS and all of its apps are up to date. That includes Safari, iTunes, iBooks, Messages, Mail, Calendar, Photos, and FaceTime.

On a Windows PC:

Step 1. Open iTunes.

Step 2. From the menu bar at the top of the iTunes window, choose Help > Check for iTunes Updates.

Step 3. An Apple Software Update window will pop up, and check if iTunes latest version is available and click on Install 1 item.

Or you can also download the latest version of iTunes from Apple Website directly, and get it installed on your PC or Mac.

An iTunes Alternative for Managing iOS File on Computer

Although iTunes is an essential tool to manage files on your iDevice, some users feel confused about the interface and it is a little bit hard to manage non-purchased items. Why not give a try on an iTunes Alternative? To give you more control and flexible iOS file management experience is what AnyTrans for iOS made for. Check its main features:

• Transfer music between any iDevice and computer (PC or Mac) and no existing data will be replaced or erased.
• Manage your iTunes library and allow you to sync music and more from iTunes library to iDevice and vice versa.
• Supports 25+ types of iOS data like music, videos, ringtones, movies, photos, messages, notes, contacts, books, etc.
• Copy music and more from one iPhone to another without restore.

Free Download * 100% Clean & Safe

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Manage iTunes Library with AnyTrans: you can transfer music, movies, ringtones and more from iTunes to iDevice without wiping.

An iTunes Alternative for Managing iOS File – AnyTrans

You can manage up to 25 types of iOS files by exporting, importing, deleting or backing up those files on your iDevice.

An iTunes Alternative for Managing iOS File – AnyTrans

The Bottom Line

This is all about what is the latest version of iTunes and how to update it to the current version. As a necessary software for Apple users, iTunes should be paid more attention to. One coin has two sides, iTunes is not a perfect app. If you want to better manage your iOS files, try AnyTrans for iOS to get a brand new experience.

This tip is designed to be a one stop shop to find out what iOS you can use if you are able to install a specific Mac OS X.

Now updated for iOS 12. Including a method to downgrade to iOS 10.3.3, and a method of downgrading to iOS 11.4.

On May 29, 2019, it was found that iOS 12.1.5 could sync with iTunes on Mac OS X 10.10.5 if you kept iTunes 12.5.5.

This thread discusses more of the inconsistent requirements that were initially stated:

https://www.imobie.com/support/how-to-downgrade-from-ios-12-to-ios-11.htm offers a means of downgrading from iOS 12 to iOS 11, if no other means work to link an elderly Mac that can't be updated to 10.11. Be very careful to backup your data properly to avoid problems. Consider a lightning port data transfer device if you need to backup data. And remember no backup is complete, unless you know you have two working copies.

Download Itunes 12.8 For Mac

Downgrading Mac OS X is possible in many cases, but your iOS is not at all. Downgrading a Mac is described here:http://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-1948

Apple has this to say about iOS recognition:If your iOS 12 device isn't recognized by iTunes, you might need to upgrade macOS or iTunes - Apple Support

iOS 12 & Yosemite -is a new tip I constructed to cover what can be done for those with Yosemite when downgrading the iOS is no longer possible.

For iOS earlier than 5, see this tip:Which OS do I have and where should I post?So be sure to look this over before upgrading your iOS and backup/sync your iOS with your Mac:

Mac OS X 10.5.8 (Leopard) supports PowerPC Macs, iTunes 10.6.3, iOS 5.1.1.Mac OS X 10.6.8 (Snow Leopard) supports Intel only Macs, but does support PowerPC applications, iTunes 11.4 and iOS 6, and iOS 7.Mac OS X 10.7.3 (Lion) supports iCloud except for iCloud Drive in its current iteration and the new Notes.Mac OS X 10.7.5 (Lion) (link explains the pitfalls of losing PowerPC applications) supports iTunes 12.2.2.25 (available from Software update as of 10/24/2015), iOS 8 and iOS 9.0.Mac OS X 10.8 (Mountain Lion) is required for iTunes 12.3 and iOS 9.2 and iOS 9.2.1(except iCloud Drive, and the new notes). Does not support iOS 10 or iTunes 12.5.1 according to the Wikipedia below.Mac OS X 10.9.5 (Mavericks)one user has said is required for iOS 10 and iTunes 12.5. It is though unable to sync with iOS 11.Mac OS X 10.10 (Yosemite) is required minimum for the new iCloud Drive and iOS 11 (except for Notes, which requires El Capitan). iTunes 12.7.0.166 is needed for iOS 11.iTunes 12.8 is now available for 10.11.6 and later. I have waited for any confirmation of working 10.10.5 systems and it appears the system requirements are in error on the website for linking to iOS 12.

Mac OS X 10.11 (El Capitan) is required for the new Notes on iOS 9, and 10.11.6 for the iPhone XR, XS, and iOS 12 and is compatible with all Mac OS X 10.8 and later compatible Macs. It is available for download only for Macs with 10.6 installed and updated to 10.6.8.

Mac OS 10.12 (Sierra) currently has no special requirements as of September 23, 2017, however is a free path to upgrade from Macs that shipped with Lion, that upgraded to 10.7.5 or later, and then updated to Sierra to be able to synchronize with iOS 12.

iOS 12 was released September 17, 2018. Please make sure to backup your data on your iphone, ipad, or ipod touch and not apply any update until you are certain that iTunes on your Mac or PC can handle it.

Some may find running Windows on their Mac Running Windows on a Mac, and Connecting it to Macor creating a separate partition for a newer Mac OS How to format a drive, or disc for maximum portability?allows one to sync to a newer iOS without losing compatibility of older Mac OS versions.

Stuck in Mavericks, Mac OS X 10.9.5? There is a published way to downgrade your iOS.

Note: this is not for the faint at heart, but sure is better than having to upgrade your Mac OS X prematurely for an App you can't afford upgrading on your Mac.

The last iOS supported for various iDevices is listed on the table called 'Terminal update for' on:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IOS_version_history

And many of the latest iOS versions and iTunes support are on https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_iTunes

Notes: Upgrading to 10.7 and above, don't forget Rosetta! and High Sierra upgrading tipoffer two means of getting your Mac up to speed with iTunes 12.8. Use the first tip if running 10.6.8 or earlier to get to 10.11. And use the other tip if running 10.8 or later.