How To Sync an IPhone in Ubuntu

I've recently switched back to using uBuntu after a long period of Windows Vista. So far I still love it, even the sidebar which I wasn't too keen on to begin with has grown on me. The only real problem I've had has been syncing my beloved iPhone. It was a bit of a struggle but I eventually solved it. If your struggling with it as well hopefully this post will save you the same struggle.

Ways that won't work #1: Media players on uBuntu (Banshee, Rhythmbox...) I saw a few articles sayin you can finally update your iPhone in 12.10 with these players but I haven't managed it. Yes, it connects and yes they recognise the device as containing music. You can play the music from the device, I was even been able to delete some tracks but for some reason you can't sync it. You should probably give this a go anyway. It takes about five minutes and if it works then aren't you lucky. You've made me slightly jealous.

 Ways that won't work #2: iTunes with playonlinux
playonlinux is a program that allows you to run various Windows programs on uBuntu, among which is iTunes. So far so good but the problem is iTunes isn't going to recognise your device. As far as I know there's no way to work around that.  

Here's How I Did It...

So far I've only found one method that works but it's not painless. The good news: you can finally update your iPhone. The bad news: you'll need a Windows OS install CD, a memory stick and a sizeable chunk of free disk space. If you don't have these then sorry, the rest of my post isn't going to be of any use to you.

1. Install VirtualBox from uBuntu software centre. VirtualBox is basically allows you to run Windows within uBuntu. Imagine having a computer running Windows within uBuntu. This is actually a pretty handy application if you need to run Windows programs on a regular basis. Install whichever operating system you want to use with the boot disks.

2. Install the VirtualBox extension from their website. You'll need the extension so that VirtualBox will recognise external devices. This should only take a couple of minutes.

3. Find somewhere to put your music. You can't access your files in uBuntu through VirtualBox which means you have to find a means to transfer them. I've been using a memory stick. The device only connects to one OS at a time so don't load Windows while you're still transferring your files to your memory stick or it'll mess up.

4. Install iTunes, add your music and update. Go online, find and install iTunes (or install it from a device, whatever is easiest for you), transfer your library and now finally you can sync your iPhone. I hope that helps you and if you've read this laughing to yourself because you know a far better way then please do tell me.