date-created:: 2023-09-11

Just as I was going to dis the Apple ecosystem for dropping the ball on even the most basic functionality: syncing of Contacts across devices, it worked in front of my own eyes for the first time.

(Update 2023-09-16) A few days later, when I created a new contact on the iPhone for real, the Mac side didn't show it after moments have elapsed. I had to rely on Airdrop, which worked. Phew!

Test (when sync works)

Create a new contact on iPhone

Then, a moment later, on MacOS contacts app:

Initially

!_attachments/Screen Shot 2023-09-11 at 11.47.18.png

Change the name of the contact on iPhone, then one minute later on Mac:

!_attachments/Screen Shot 2023-09-11 at 11.48.17.png

The "note" field syncs too but not instantly.

If auto-sync fails: Manually share it using e.g. Airdrop

Create a new contact on phone and share it to Mac through Airdrop:

!_attachments/IMG_63EF740F1086-1.jpeg

Airdrop will send a .vcf file

!_attachments/Screen Shot 2023-09-11 at 11.41.54.png

On Mac, use this to create a contact.

History: always on

I had Contacts on iCloud always, but my observation is that it doesn't always work.

!_attachments/IMG_65B737C97600-1.jpeg