Apple Fixes iTunes Crash on 2.2.1 Firmware Update

A number of iPhone users updating to the latest firmware version (2.2.1) have reported issues when syncing an iPhone or iPod touch to iTunes. Apparently, iTunes quit unexpectedly when the user would attempt to sync. Apple has seemingly isolated the cause of the problem affecting a limited number of iPhone / iPod touch users.

MacRumors has posted an e-mail from the iTunes Store Team sent to iPhone / iPod touch users that are possibly experiencing the issue. The message is available below in its entirety:


Dear Customer,

Recently, we uncovered an issue which was causing iTunes to unexpectedly quit when synced with an iPod or an iPhone. This issue impacted a small number of users, and we have identified your account as potentially being affected.

If you have experienced this issue, please follow these steps in order to sync your iPod or iPhone with iTunes:

1. Launch iTunes

2. Select "Deauthorize Computer" from the Store menu

3. Enter your iTunes Store Account ID and Password, then click the Deauthorize button

4. Next, choose "Authorize Computer" from the Store menu

5. Enter your iTunes Store Account ID and Password, then click the Authorize button

Once you have successfully deauthorized and reauthorized your computer, you should be able to sync your iPod or iPhone to iTunes.

I sincerely apologize for any inconvenience that you may have experienced as a result of this issue.

Thank you for being an iTunes Store customer.

iTunes Store Team

According to the above mentioned source, Apple's e-mail containing the instructions for the workaround has been circulating for a number of days. Folks got around to using these instructions and reportedly fixed their iTunes crashes. As usual, however, some didn't see the same results, with others being advised to take an additional step towards fixing the issue, namely "purchasing" a Free iTunes App.