It is a property list for a service that alerts you when mobile devices such as iPhones or iPad require a software update. You can update through this, but sometimes an installation might fail.
There could be a bug in the MobileDeviceUpdater. Or your iPhone is probably running a developer beta or public beta version of the software that has yet to be officially supported by the most recent stable macOS release.
How do you fix these iOS errors?
Check your Internet Connection
To update your devices, you must use a stable internet connection. The size of the update and the speed of your internet connection affect how long it takes to download. Use a Wi-Fi network and refrain from downloading additional content to speed up the download.
Refresh the iTunes App
After closing iTunes on your Mac, unplug your iOS device, wait a brief period, and re-connect it. iTunes will launch on its own.
Ensure There’s Enough Storage Space on your iOS Device to Update
Remove unnecessary files and apps from your device to make a place for the update if you cannot connect your device to a computer.
- Go to Settings.
- Then click General.
- Under it, choose Storage.
- Delete apps you do not use.
Verify if your Device Supports the New Software Update
Your device might only be compatible with the most recent release if you see the option to update new software when it becomes available.
Ensure that Both the Time and Date on your iOS Device and your Mac are Set Accurately
You can make your iOS and Mac devices adjust Date & Time settings automatically.
Try Installing Software Updates on your Devices
Try updating your Mac first. For a Mac update:
- Launch System Preferences
- Click Software Update after that.
- Select update if there is an update available.
Update your iOS device:
- Go to Settings.
- Then click General.
- And tap Software Update.
Make sure you use the most recent iTunes version if you use a Windows program.
- Open iTunes.
- Click Help in the menu bar.
- Then, choose Check for Updates.
- Update iTunes if there is a newer version.
Enable your Mac’s Safe Mode and Try Again
Safe Mode loads Apple software, extensions, and fonts. It also repairs the disk and clears the cache.
Unclick Contact Caching on your Mac
Contact caching downloads information to a network device and then instructs all other network devices to contact the downloaded device first to conserve capacity by preventing everyone from downloading a duplicate of the same material. However, it occasionally corrupts assets that are downloaded. I always advise you to turn it off. Here’s how:
- Open System Preferences > Sharing for macOS versions before macOS 13 Ventura; for Ventura, open System Settings > General > Sharing.
- Uncheck content caching.
- Plug the iPhone or iPad back in after unplugging it.
- Click Install when MobileDeviceUpdater asks you again. The software update ought to download and install properly this time.
Install XCode on your iOS Device
Download it on the App Store. XCode is Apple’s IDE (integrated development environment) for iOS developers that might help with the error.
Check your USB Cable
Make sure that your cable is not malfunctioning and is Apple certified. Try a different lighting cable. You may also use a different USB port on your computer.
Keep your iOS Device Connected to a Power Source
Making sure your iPhone or iPad is charged to at least 80%.
Reset System Management Controller and VRAM or PRAM on Mac
- Reset System Management Controller (SMC) on your Mac.
- Reset VRAM or PRAM on your Mac.
- Shut down your Mac.
- Press and hold the Option, Command, P, and R keys for roughly 20 seconds after turning on your Mac.
If, after trying all of these and you still get the error and can not install, it is time to contact Apple for support. You can share your experience with us by dropping a comment below.
