How to Backup iPhone if iTunes Is Discontinued

Jerry Cook
Updated on 2023-06-12 to iPhone Backup

Many iOS users have a good habit of backing up their device data. This helps them to protect their data from different data loss scenarios like accidental deletion, virus attack, and software upgradation. When it comes to backing up iPhone data, most users generally prefer iTunes to get their job done. Recently, there is news about Apple kills iTunes and that’s making users how to backup iPhone when iTunes is discontinued. If you also have the same concern, then you’re in the right place. In this article, we show how you can backup your iPhone without iTunes.

Part 1: Is iTunes Being Discontinued
Part 2: How to Backup iPhone if iTunes is Discontinued
Part 3: How to Backup iPhone without iTunes

Part 1: Is iTunes Being Discontinued

Apple officially confirmed that iTunes app is being discontinued in support for replacement options. Apple said that the app was initially focused on mixing and burning music on the Mac. But, it has now become too bloated and big. In the next macOS Catalina, the app is being split into 3 new services - Apple TV, Apple Podcasts and Apple Music.

After the shutdown of iTunes, Apple would stop to add new items to iTunes. In other words, users won’t be able to purchase any new songs via iTunes. But, that doesn’t mean that Apple is giving up on “music”. Theoretically, the main reason behind iTunes shutdown is freeing up resources and enhancing Apple’s streaming service - Apple Music. And now if you’re wondering what will happen to your iTunes collection? Then, don’t panic as every song you’ve purchased, imported, uploaded or ripped will already be included in Apple Music.

But, what about backing up iPhone after iTunes is gone away? Well, we tell you how to backup iPhone without iTunes in the next part.

Part 2: How to Backup iPhone if iTunes is Discontinued

Following are the Apple’s official way to backup iPhone when iTunes is gone on both Mac and Windows. Let’s give a closure look at them:

How to Backup iPhone on Mac without iTunes

With mac OS Catalina, you will use Finder instead of iTunes to backup/sync your iPhone to Mac. Here’s how to backup iPhone when iTunes goes away on Mac.

1. To start with, click the “Finder” app on the dock of your Mac.
2. Next, choose your device under Locations on the left side of the screen.
3. In the General tab, you’ll see the options as you are familiar in iTunes. You can click “Back Up Now” button to backup iPhone on macOS Catalina.

Pic 1. Backup iPhone on Mac

Keep in mind that you can still use iTunes on Mac versions below macOS Catalina, for instance, Mojave. But, once you update your system, you can’t access iTunes. Instead, you need to use ‘Finder” to backup your device to Mac.

If You Have a Windows PC, How to Backup iPhone to PC

If you are Windows PC user, then you will be pleased to know that Apple isn’t killing iTunes for Windows. It means that nothing is changed for Windows users who use iTunes. In fact, it is expected that Apple will make no changes on Windows in the future also. So, you can still backup your iPhone to iTunes as usual on your Windows PC.

1. Open “iTunes”>” select your device”>” Go to Summary panel”.
2. Here, just select the “This Computer” and click on the “Backup Up Now” button.

Pic 2. Backup in iTunes

Part 3: How to Backup iPhone without iTunes

There are also better alternative options are available to back up the iPhone without iTunes. So, you can go for following alternatives to backup your important data:

Backup iPhone to iCloud

You can also backup your device to iCloud to have a copy of your important data in case the device is damaged or lost. You will be glad to know that iCloud will back up your device’s data automatically, but you need to first enable the feature.

1. To start with, connect your iPhone to a Wi-Fi network.
2. Next, open “Settings”>” [Your Name]”. Here, click “iCloud” and “iCloud backup”.
3. Now, click the “Back Up Now” option.

Pic 3. Backup to iCloud

With iCloud backup, you will only get free 5GB of storage. But, you can use free iPhone backup software to backup your device without storage limitation.

Backup iPhone via Free iPhone Backup Software

When it comes to choosing free iPhone backup program, UltFone iOS Data Manager is the most recommended. With the help of this reliable software, you can backup your iPhone for free. The best part is that it allows you to manage your device as you want. With just one-click, you can backup your device data to computer without iTunes.

Free Download For Win 10/8.1/8/7/XP Secure Download Free Download For macOS 10.15 and below Secure Download

Here are its main features:

You can backup your iPhone without space limitation.
It supports to backup files selectively.
You can preview data before backup.
It provides support to backup photos, videos, music, app attachments and much more.
You can backup 50GB of data within half an hour.

To learn how to backup iPhone without iTunes, just download iOS Data Manager from its official site and follow the below steps:

Step 1 Run the software and connect your device to the computer using a digital cable. Next, click “Backup & Restore”>” Device Backup & Restore”.

Pic 4. Device backup
Step 2 Now, you need to select the file types you would like to backup and click “Backup” button to continue with the process.

Pic 5. Select file types
Step 3 Once the backup process completes, you can preview data and finally, click on the “Export to Computer” button. And select the location where you want to save the backup on your computer.

Pic 6. Save backup file

As you now see that there is no need to panic if iTunes shutdowns as iOS Data Manager can help you to manage your iPhone data in a much more efficient way.

Conclusion

That’s all on how to backup iPhone when iTunes is gone. Even if Apple completely kills iTunes app, you can still backup your device data without the app. All thanks go to the alternative options available like iCloud and UltFone iOS Data Manager Software.