Can't install the software because it is not currently available from the software update server - iPad I'm attempting to sync my iPad with my MacBook pro, but every time I plug it in I'm getting a message from iTunes, "A software update is required to connect to your iOS device." When I click "Install," I get another error message: "Can't install the software because it is not currently available from the software update server." The iPad's charging icon is also blinking off and on.

As I've been poking around the internet about this, I've gotten several answers about how this is something to do with a beta version of iOS, however currently running only the most current and stable builds of iOS and macOS (iOS 12.1.1 and macOS 10.14.2). Apparently installing xCode worked for some folks back in July/August, but I've done that to no avail...see this thread with the same problem, and a user offering the xCode solution: A software update is required to connect to your iOS device / iPhone

Any help is much appreciated!

Order of messages and subsequent error:
Just solved this issue. I was using a thunderbolt hub, and connected to that was:


My iPhone
Power Supply


I removed the power supply and connected it to another thunderbolt port and it worked. In my case, I think it had something to do with the power and the iPhone being in the same hub - maybe the power adapter was pushing too much power into the hub.. god knows, but it's fixed!