iTunes Device Support Update

[coke]

Along with the macOS 10.14.5 Update, Apple also released iTunes Device Support Update. Has anyone used it to update their iPhone? In the Mac software update mechanism, Apple did not provide much information about it, saying it “ensures proper updating and restoring for iOS devices using iTunes for Mac.” I will probably wait until the weekend before I try it. Too bad it’s not a stand-alone app.

[Ralf11]

No, I have stopped "updating" after Apple broke not only 3rd party software but their own search facility in the OS.

 

I now follow the "You First" principle...

[kirkmc]

If you've noticed the way iTunes has worked recently, it no longer needs an update when a new device is released. The first time you connect that device, iTunes downloads what software it needs. I think (and this is just an informed guess) that this iTunes Device Support Update may simply be Apple pushing all the software for the various devices to all users. It's possible that, for some people, that software wasn't downloading correctly in iTunes, and it does make sense for it to be on all Macs. I think this is much better than pushing out a new version of iTunes for each device.

[coke]

Ralf11, I understand, but no, you go first! Since I haven't been able to sync properly for a while, I will wait for a week to see if others take the plunge and how it goes for them. And if you don't do it by then, I will give it a shot. To get around some of the syncing issues, I have an external drive that uses an older macOS. Maybe I will bring that drive up to 10.14, if all goes well.

[coke]

Kirk, I totally agree with you that I believe not all the software was being loaded. I like to know what is being downloaded, so I have turned off automatic updates and use LittleSnitch to limit other functions as well. Maybe turning off some of the automatic functions prevented my system from receiving the respective download. However, if Apple is breaking up iTunes, I long for a Sync app. Currently, I only update apps when I install the latest iOS update. Hence, my phone frequently sports a high badge number over the App Store icon.

[kirkmc]

But you miss bug fixes and security updates for your apps. That's not very wise. For example, if you have WhatsApp on your phone, there's a very important security issue and they're telling everyone to update ASAP. These security issues aren't always as sensitive, but not having your apps up to date is a risk. 

[coke]

No, I use LockRattler, which pulls XProtect, Gatekeeper and other security updates down pretty easily. LockRattler also shows version and date added. So, my apps are always updated. I think Apple needs to  employ a method that tells users when XProtect, etc., are updated. (Of course, for those who care!) I have used the Terminal commands in the past, but LockRattler makes it a lot easier for me. I always download load the Combo update and security updates from Apple Downloads page, which I can use on other computers as well.