iTunes 12.6.5 vs iOS 13

[GGD]

I hadn't been able to find any info on what version of iTunes support iOS 13, and more specifically, if the special iTunes 12.6.5 that still has the App store would work. So I did some experimenting.

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT208079

All testing was done on Mac OS 10.12.6 (Sierra), and with an iPhone SE that was running iOS 12.4.1

Bottom line, it sort of works except it will not do anything that involves an iOS 13 firmware .ipsw file, it complains about the format of the file, so you can't update to iOS 13 through iTunes 12.6.5, and cannot restore the firmware, even using DFU mode with an iOS 13 firmware file. You can restore/downgrade an iOS 13 iPhone SE to 12.4.1 using the normal firmware restore process, or in DFU mode.

One thing about the iTunes 12.6.5 installer is that it can downgrade a newer iTunes (like 12.8.2), on Sierra, you can install 12.8.2, do any iOS 13 firmware activities needed, and then downgrade to 12.6.5.

And iTunes 12.8.2 will successfully install iOS 13 on an iPhone SE from Sierra. Alternatively, without even needing iTunes 12.8.2, one could upgrade the iPhone from 12.4.1 to 13.0 directly from the phone, and then just continue to use it with iTunes 12.6.5, and easily alternate between 12.6.5 and 12.8.2 as needed

There is a one-time message that comes up on Sierra the first time an iOS 13 iPhone SE is plugged in, saying that it needs to update device support for the phone, and doing that then allows either iTunes to work with it.

And as long as Apple continues to sign iOS 12.4.1 you can alternate between it and 13.0 if you want to test things out.

[sekker]

Given all of the bugs in iOS13 including some games like fortnight, Apple will have to accept 'downgrading' as an option.

[jdc]

Just say no to iTunes on a mac.

Not worth the trouble, and theres (pretty much) nothing it does you cant do directly on your iDevice.

[GGD]

jdc wrote:
Just say no to iTunes on a mac.

Not worth the trouble, and theres (pretty much) nothing it does you cant do directly on your iDevice.

How do you downgrade from iOS 13 to iOS 12.4.1 without iTune/Mac?

How do you back up or restore an iOS device from a backup on your computer without iTunes?

How do you load music that you ripped from CDs onto an iOS device without iTunes?

[jdc]

GGD wrote:
How do you downgrade from iOS 13 to iOS 12.4.1 without iTune/Mac?

Why would I want to?

[Altered Horizons]

GGD thanks for taking the time to do this and post the info. I've been searching for info on iOS 13 and iTunes 12.6.5 compatibility. Good to know I'll still be able to manage apps and access the store via iTunes on a 24" screen, rather than a 6" screen. Still, I think I'll wait awhile before going to iOS 13.