For several years, iTunes was a one-stop platform for managing iPhone and iPad backups, updating, restoring and syncing iOS devices. While I have always found the software easy to use, it has never felt user-friendly or intuitive. The interface didn’t offer a seamless experience, as there were so many things gathered under the same roof. So it didn’t surprise me when Apple decided to remove the software from macOS Catalina. But the question that immediately came to my mind was how to sync iPhone or iPad to Mac on macOS Catalina without iTunes. And I think many of you might be asking the same question. In this guide, I’ll show you the right way to backup, restore, and sync iOS and iPadOS devices with Mac running macOS Catalina!
How to Sync iPhone and iPad to Mac in macOS Catalina
For those unfamiliar with the latest changes, Apple has split iTunes into three separate apps: Music, Apple Podcasts, and Apple TV to handle different media types. But there is no fourth sync app that will let you sync your iOS devices. This is because Apple built this functionality in Finder. You can use the Finder to sync albums, songs, playlists, movies, TV shows, podcasts, books, audiobooks, photos, videos, contacts, and calendars. Having said that, let’s start with the steps!
1. Connect your iPhone or iPad to your Mac using a compatible cable to get started.
2. Now, start Finder app It will appear on your Mac and iPhone in the sidebar under the “Places” section. Click the “Sync” button to sync your iPhone.
3. As you can see in the screenshots, you also have all the options. create backup, update your iPhone, encrypt backupand more.
4. If you want to specifically sync certain items such as music, media, books, files and more, you will find this option in the corresponding tabs. For example, I’ve attached a screenshot showing the “Music” tab in action.
As you can see when you connect your iPhone to your Mac, it automatically starts syncing and you don’t have to manually press the “Sync” button each time. Basically, everything is the same as in iTunes. Now you just use Finder instead of iTunes.
SEE ALSO: How to Automatically Close Safari Tabs on iPhone and iPad
Easily Sync Your iOS and iPadOS Device to Mac…
Based on my experiences after upgrading to macOS Catalina, I can say that the decision to replace iTunes with three separate apps was a good move. It offers a more simplified experience. Also, the Finder has always been a top-notch file manager for macOS, and that’s why I find it top-notch when it comes to using the iPhone and iPad. If you’re not happy with it and want a more efficient iTunes alternative, check out this comprehensive summary. What do you think about the decision to shelve iTunes on Mac? Share your thoughts with us.
