Why cant I update iPhone 15 pro as usual with cable via finder & MPB ?

cant update ipone - I have an iPhone 15 pro that I back up to MPB , etc., using finder & cable. Now im trying to update iPhone to ios26 and get this:





Apple support says I cant update via cable w/ Mac unless I update MBP to iOS 26 1st.


True ?




iPhone 15 Pro, iOS 18

Posted on Dec 4, 2025 2:07 PM

Reply
16 replies

Dec 4, 2025 2:43 PM in response to mrchntmarine

mrchntmarine wrote:

cant update ipone - I have an iPhone 15 pro that I back up to MPB , etc., using finder & cable. Now im trying to update iPhone to ios26 and get this:


https://discussions.apple.com/content/attachment/5293b5ac-ab4d-47c7-a7ce-c93aa3009032



Apple support says I cant update via cable w/ Mac unless I update MBP to iOS 26 1st.

True ?





So use your cellular data to update the iPhone if you have an issue.


Unplug from the Mac, turn off Wifi


iPhone>Settings>General>Software Update> "Download and Install" >>Use Cellular Data — YES



If you want a current backup manually do that first...

ref: Update iOS on iPhone - Apple Support



Dec 4, 2025 7:29 PM in response to mrchntmarine

"Why cant I update iPhone 15 pro as usual with cable via finder & MPB ?: interesting - I cant update iPad via cable either.... I hope they didnt get rid of updating via cable."

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Updating Through Use of a Computer:

Though you've already tried it, see if either if my User Tips lead the way. Connecting your Mac to Ethernet, you might not get this error. Use this for a USB-C only Mac: Belkin USB-C to 2.5Gb Ethernet Adapter - Apple


My User Tips:


Dec 4, 2025 7:30 PM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

I updated iPhone wirelessly as iOS 26 was not being detected via cable in finder. MBP M3 Max, 2023 - now on Tahoe 26.1. My iPad Pro is last device still on 18.7.2, iPad Pro 3rd gen, 11 inch. Still not able to do that one for some reason with cable - iOS 26 not being detected. See here: IOS not being detected. I stated it when I discovered it was an iOS detection issue.


I know I can update the iPad wirelessly. BUT, trying to determine whats stopping the update from being detected via cable....

Dec 4, 2025 7:54 PM in response to mrchntmarine

"this model mbp does not have a cat5 port. I have to use some type of adapter , hence the dongle."

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Getting CAT5 Cable:

"Dongle" or "Adapter", call it want you want to; nonetheless, it is what to use, if you want to proceed with Ethernet. Which type to get depends on the port of your Mac: USB-A or USB-C

Why cant I update iPhone 15 pro as usual with cable via finder & MPB ?

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