Syncing contacts and calendars with iTunes - going away?

Hi Diane:

As usual, thank you for your information.  I've been syncing Outlook calendar on Windows 10 with my iPhone calendar.  I tried to sync using iCloud for Windows some years ago.  The problem is that you end up with duplicate entries because you have 3 calendars that you're syncing (Outlook, iPhone, & iCloud).

I fear this will end up being a disaster.

Hi Diane. Thank you for your response to the above question.

I just want to put this out there for others like myself. I've used the iCloud addin previously It completely messes with my calendar and contacts (duplicating entries, cancelling appointment, losing contacts or changing information between contacts). I would have to routinely disable the addin and re-enable it. Thus the reason I don't use it anymore and connect through iTunes. I suppose I will just look for another device and software, not from Microsoft, to use.  This makes my life a whole lot harder as I'll have to export all my data and then import it to other software database. 

Ruth

Hi MikieL58, have you considered 3rd-party alternatives? From what I've researched it appears CopyTrans also claims they can import iPhone contacts into Outlook (with the thingy called CopyTrans Contacts?). I haven't tried it yet, though.

A short-term solution will be to not allow iTunes to update to any future edition.  I saw this notice as well and immediately turned off automatic downloading and installing of updated versions (which, of course, is the default setting.)  I'm going to try and find a full download of the installer for the current version.  I am concerned that if I get a new computer in the future and install iTunes, it will be a basic installer file that will go get the most recent version of iTunes.  Another reason among many that the iPhone is the only Apple product I will ever own.  I am a little surprised they even put a warning in there rather than just quietly no longer supporting it.

Yes, we need a supported solution. I would pay money for a permanent solution that would allow me to sync my MS Outlook on my MS Windows desktop (yes, I still prefer my desktop with a 27" screen and full keyboard) to my iPhone 12 contacts and calendar. HELP!

+1 I would as well

Is Microsoft going to make a product to do this. There are a lot of iPhones and PCs that need to be able to sync

contacts and calendar.

Diane is the greatest. I've used her replies and suggestions in the past. Thank you, Diane.

iTunes has been problematic for me for the last year, sometimes not working at all for even backups, and failing to sync contacts and calendars with Outlook.

I, too, have experienced data corruption, duplication, and other problems trying to use the iCloud to sync with Outlook. In addition, I keep lots of private information in my contacts, and having a copy on the cloud is not acceptable.

I (and some friends and relatives) now use akrutosync, which does not keep copies of the data on the cloud. On the plus side, it works great and in the few cases of technical issues, their support is swift and very good. It can sync using wi-fi or over the internet, but in neither case is it storing information anywhere other than in Outlook or on my iPhone. On the minus side, it is not free (as iTunes has been) - but the cost is quite reasonable.

Thank you, MattMetz1.

I too, think Diane Poremsky is fantastic. She's been an MVP over 20 years. Thank you for you mentioning akrutosync. I'll take a look at it.

I only sync my calendar to my iPhone, but it seems that akrutosync will do that. They advertise that no data goes to the cloud, but that is also true with iTunes. i.e. it is why I prefer iTunes to iCloud.