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wadcorp
User level: Level 1 (9 points)

iPhone 13 not syncing with MacBook Pro, prompted to reset

OS is 12.7.6 on my MacBook Pro mid-2015 (yeah, I know).


iPhone 13 iOS is 26.6.2.


I haven't been able to sync my iPhone with my MacBook Pro. I keep getting a call to Reset the phone. I have things backed up to the Cloud, but I'm nervous about doing a full Reset, or if that will even solve my issue.


Am I too worried about this? Or will I just need to wait until I purchase a more up-to-date MacBook Pro?


I did purchase a new cable for syncing as the iPhone would spontaneously eject from the hook-up with the older cable. That was weird.


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Posted on Oct 14, 2026 12:32 PM

6 replies

TheLittles
User level: Level 10 (211,627 points)

Oct 14, 2026 3:36 PM in response to wadcorp

"iPhone 13 not syncing with MacBook Pro, prompted to reset: [...]I haven't been able to sync my iPhone with my MacBook Pro. I keep getting a call to Reset the phone. I have things backed up to the Cloud, but I'm nervous about doing a full Reset, or if that will even solve my issue.[...]"

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iPhone 13 and Monterey Mac:

Try an Update Through a Computer. That would make this pairing begin, as a trusted device connection. In your iPhone and macOS, do so using Finder. Go Here: Update your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch with the Finder - Apple Support


See my User Tip: Updating your iOS Device Through a Computer: - User Tip

TheLittles
User level: Level 10 (211,627 points)

Oct 17, 2026 7:07 PM in response to wadcorp

“The contents of the iPhone “iPhone” could not be read. Click Restore to restore this iPhone to factory settings.”

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Upgrade the macOS, or the Mac:

That message would indicate that your macOS is so obsolete that it is not able to match those of more-modern devices operability. So, you'll need to use a more-modern macOS. This all comes to getting this to sync. This restore it is mentioning to you about is required for the iPhone to operate with an older macOS. So, take this a good reason to upgrade your Mac.

wadcorp Author
User level: Level 1 (9 points)

Oct 15, 2026 1:18 PM in response to TheLittles

I've tried updating via the Finder.


I get an alert “The contents of the iPhone “iPhone” could not be read. Click Restore to restore this iPhone to factory settings.”


This is where I get nervous. I have backed up the iPhone to the Cloud, but is it safe to restore the device to the factory settings?


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TheLittles
User level: Level 10 (211,627 points)

Oct 15, 2026 6:21 PM in response to wadcorp

"BTW: My ultimate goal here is to get my iTunes Library on the MacBook Pro synced with my iTunes on my iPhone."

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Accessing iTunes Library Across your Devices:

Do you have an Apple One Subscription? Having one, your items (including home music) will sync across all devices assigned to your Apple Account. Go Here: Apple One - Apple


wadcorp Author
User level: Level 1 (9 points)

Oct 16, 2026 1:32 PM in response to TheLittles

Don't have an Apple One account. I was reading about iTunes Match, which is also subscription based ($24.99 per year) that supposedly does the same thing.


Subscribe to iTunes Match - Apple Support


I'm still wondering if I Reset the iPhone, if it will easily restore from the Cloud backup & perhaps solve everything (without another subscription).


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wadcorp Author
User level: Level 1 (9 points)

Oct 15, 2026 1:20 PM in response to wadcorp

BTW: My ultimate goal here is to get my iTunes Library on the MacBook Pro synced with my iTunes on my iPhone.


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Originally posted at discussions.apple.com/thread/256376271