Few iOS 9 questions for iPhone 5S

[Peter Franks]

Been a bit of a nightmare updating this tonight, and I'm sorry I started. Only did because I didn't update the last couple of ones.

It took ages, and loads of error messages came up, then after it had finished, I went to last page of screen on phone and the search bar came up and froze the phone. Had to shut down. Wouldn't let me out, but weirder than that, my itunes says it's on the current version, but says my iphone isn't compatible unless I update to latest iTunes. So after using it to update the iOS, it's now told me it doesn't recognise the phone. Anyone else had this at all? I can't get phone to show in iTunes at all now.

 

[Command]

iTunes gave me that same error - it was while the iPhone was rebooting from the firmware update. I just OK'd the message and let it continue and it finished. It does restart with a few bumps / delays in updating account info but overall, it's been fine since.
If iTunes is not seeing it, you might defer to DFU mode. -- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201263

If you've never done it, just watch the steps carefully on when to press and let go, etc. It might take a time or two to get the cable connection / buttons right.

 

[Peter Franks]

the phone restarted, but now it's saying iTunes needs to be updated, but I can't go any higher because I'm still on 10.6.8?

 

[Command]

Well, that might be an issue... Because the latest version of iTunes (12.3) was released for iOS9 but its requirements are OS X version 10.8.5 or later...

Your devices are getting too far apart, generationally.

Any option to upgrade OS X? 10.10 is free, if your Mac will run it.

 

[Peter Franks]

I'd rather not. It'll slow it up. So just because I updated to iOS 9 I can never back up my phone on iTunes and all the last 4 years back ups are redundant? Thanks for the warning Apple

 

[Command]

That's understandable. If your iPhone did indeed come back to life, you can at least make sure it's backing up to iCloud - https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT203977

iOS devices have been getting more and more independent with little to no need of a computer (iTunes) except in dire instances - but, generally, if you only need an emergency restore back to factory, an Apple Store can assist with that. As long as it's backed up somehow, that's the key. Albeit, you may need additional iCloud space for it, depending. That's really inexpensive, however. imo.

 

[Peter Franks]

Thanks

 

[cynics]

Unfortunately a couple other users have mentioned having the same problem but its tough to get the word out to people prior to updating.

iCloud backup is going to be your only method at this point. Its relatively painless though and you can separate from iTunes entirely or at least temporarily and pray that El Capitan is better then Yosemite as far as speed.

You'll be seeing a lot more of this especially since OS X is free. In Apples eyes it will be your fault for you choosing not to upgrade to the latest OS X.

 

[Peter Franks]

Hah! Good point. But I've heard horror stories about running on a MBP 2011, so stuck with SL. The irony is I've never updated this quickly before. Always wait hence I still had a '1' on my settings icon from the last update before tonight. I didn't update it and ... You know the rest. I only went on to back up phone. That'll teach me.

 

[Command]

Hah! Good point. But I've heard horror stories about running on a MBP 2011, so stuck with SL. The irony is I've never updated this quickly before. Always wait hence I still had a '1' on my settings icon from the last update before tonight. I didn't update it and ... You know the rest. I only went on to back up phone. That'll teach me.

2011 was the tail end of Snow Leopard as it is. A great OS, no doubt. Well, I don't know... it's obviously up to you but I am running 10.10 on a 2008 MacBookPro. It's slow, I'm not going to lie, but it's manageable and as it's not exactly my primary machine, it's completely usable. That said, I would expect a 2011 to be fine with it. There is a vast difference in the hardware as I have the antique Core 2 Duo CPU and a BUS so slow an SSD wouldn't even help. I'm sitting here wishing I had that one! Anyway, just thought I'd share.
(if you have a Time Machine backup, you can also just restore it if need be although it does involve some hoops.)

 

[Peter Franks]

Thanks. Does TM take you back to the OS as well? I didn't think it did. So if I install latest it can take me back to SL?

 

[Command]

Thanks. Does TM take you back to the OS as well? I didn't think it did. So if I install latest it can take me back to SL?

That's correct. You can restore the entire system from Time Machine and it'll replace the OS and revert it back to the backup source.

 

[Peter Franks]

That I didn't know! Thank you. Does it remove things when you update like iDVD that's not with new OS? Or lose my Photoshop/Office etc and have to be reinstalled do you know? I still have the disc for Photoshop and Office but don't know if it lets you use them more than once? So wondered if that all stays on system even when OS is updated?

 

[Command]

I'm glad you asked that because some things do change. I had nearly forgotten. iPhoto, for one, no longer exists, being replaced by Photos. There are new versions of iWork applications (although, I think the disc install works fine, they don't have iCloud enhanced features). iWeb and iDVD are no more, however, if you have them now and upgrade, they will stay in your applications, they just won't update any further as there have been no updates. With that, yes - basically anything you have installed will remain installed. Even if it's no longer compatible with the new OS, which you might find depending on the app. Snow Leopard was a pivotal OS version, bridging the gap between PPC and Intel Macs and their software requirements. Some (few) third party applications completely fell off the grid after Snow Leopard. MSOffice depends upon the version you have and honestly, I'm not familiar enough to know what version will make the jump. I'm inclined to think you'd have 2004, at best, which I do not believe will work with 10.10, requiring 2008 or better. There is no doubt that it'll be an adventure... but, what I like to (deviously) point out is the fact act at one point or another, you're going to have to upgrade and the bigger the gap, the bigger the jump, so to speak.

 

[Peter Franks]

Thanks again. Some very good points and yes you're right. I had always looked on that jump as to be when I'd get a new MacBook but may be necessary now to be forced into the jump with the software upgrade. If I didn't use it for my business(self employed/one man band) I wouldn't be so nervy about the jump I'm sure. It's the business stuff on here that I need to stay same and protected as in Office etc. I think the Yosemite in App Store looks relatively straightforward to install. It's just the lucky ones who have the seamless bit. I see on Twitter the trickle of SL diehards are now realising the Snow Leopard culling from iOS 9