is iPhone 17pro compatible with iMac Ventura 13.7.8

I keep getting error (pairing unsuccessful) I am using a brand new pine 17 pro and trying to plug it into my iMac using Ventura 13.7.8. I googled it and it says yes. just spent 6 yes. 6 hours on apple support. absolutely a total waste of time. One person said delete my Bitdefender, another say buy a new iMac. I just need to know. what's,what.

Posted on Dec 1, 2025 12:14 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Dec 1, 2025 2:04 PM

joleeeee wrote:

ok , even if I plug my new iPhone into my iMac. with a usb c. it will not pair. or wifi

It's not supposed to pair. With your iPhone plugged into your Mac with it's charging cable open a Finder window and click on your iPhone which will be listed near the top of the sidebar:



Then you'll get this window:



From there you can add photos, movies, audiobooks, Music, TV Shows and files to the iPhone. Or backup the iPhone to your Mac.


14 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Dec 1, 2025 2:04 PM in response to joleeeee

joleeeee wrote:

ok , even if I plug my new iPhone into my iMac. with a usb c. it will not pair. or wifi

It's not supposed to pair. With your iPhone plugged into your Mac with it's charging cable open a Finder window and click on your iPhone which will be listed near the top of the sidebar:



Then you'll get this window:



From there you can add photos, movies, audiobooks, Music, TV Shows and files to the iPhone. Or backup the iPhone to your Mac.


Dec 1, 2025 12:49 PM in response to joleeeee

It's unclear exactly what you are trying to do.


How are plugging it into your Mac?

Why are you then trying to "pair" it?

Pairing suggests "Bluetooth", but then why are you plugging it in? Bluetooth is wireless.


The iPhone 17 Pro, should be compatible with Ventura for syncing over USB cable for Photos. music files etc...in Finder, and the Photos app.

This does not require pairing of any type over bluetooth or any other connection beyond the cable.


No iPhone is or has ever been compatible for bluetooth pairing with any Mac directly except for personal Hotspot. But then you don't need a USB cable for that. Its one thing or the other, but not both.


What exactly are you trying to accomplish?


When you plug it in using its charging cable, the iPhone should appear in Finder under Locations.

You don't need to nor can you pair it over bluetooth.


Dec 1, 2025 4:10 PM in response to joleeeee

Give this a try: boot into Safe Mode according to How to use safe mode on your Mac, connect your iPhone and see if the problem persists. Reboot normally and test again.


NOTE 1: Safe Mode boot can take up to 3 - 5 minutes as it's doing the following; 

Verifies your startup disk and attempts to repair directory issues, if needed

• Loads only required kernel extensions (prevents 3rd party kernel/extensions from loading)

• Prevents Startup Items and Login Items from opening automatically

• Disables user-installed fonts 

Deletes font caches, kernel cache, and other system cache files


NOTE 2: if you have a wireless keyboard with rechargeable batteries connect it with its charging cable before booting into Safe Mode. This makes it act as a wired keyboard as will insure a successful boot into Safe Mode.



Dec 1, 2025 2:28 PM in response to joleeeee

Give this a try: boot into Safe Mode according to How to use safe mode on your Mac and test to see if the problem persists. Reboot normally and test again.


NOTE 1: Safe Mode boot can take up to 3 - 5 minutes as it's doing the following; 

Verifies your startup disk and attempts to repair directory issues, if needed

• Loads only required kernel extensions (prevents 3rd party kernel/extensions from loading)

• Prevents Startup Items and Login Items from opening automatically

• Disables user-installed fonts 

Deletes font caches, kernel cache, and other system cache files


NOTE 2: if you have a wireless keyboard with rechargeable batteries connect it with its charging cable before booting into Safe Mode. This makes it act as a wired keyboard as will insure a successful boot into Safe Mode.


Dec 1, 2025 1:09 PM in response to joleeeee

When you plug it in it should appear in Finder. Again, pairing over bluetooth is not necessary.


It may request an update when you plug it in though. This is just a small firmware update, not a macOS version upgrade.


It says "paring unsuccessful", because the option is not supported. You don't need to pair it over bluetooth at all.


If it's not appearing on the side bar in Finder, and has not asked to be trusted, you may just need to restart it, and try to plug it in again.

click here ➜ Restart your iPhone - Apple Support


is iPhone 17pro compatible with iMac Ventura 13.7.8

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.