iPhone: Syncing and merging data

One-way Syncing (Unidirectional)

The iPhone will only sync certain content one-way (unidirectionally) from the computer (Mac OS or Windows) to the iPhone or from the iPhone to the computer but not in both directions. For example, with audio/video content such as music, movies, TV shows, and podcasts the data will only sync from the computer to the iPhone. Mail account settings on the computer will also be synced to the iPhone. You will not be able to modify this type of content from the iPhone. All changes will need to be made in iTunes or the computer that is syncing with the iPhone. In a similar fashion, photos taken from the iPhone will only sync one-way from the device to the computer.

Two-way Syncing (Bidirectional)

The iPhone is capable of two-way syncing (with merge capabilities) when dealing with other content such as Contacts, Calendars, and Bookmarks. For example, iTunes will copy and modify contacts made on the iPhone and contact manager such as Yahoo! Address Book, Outlook Contacts, Outlook Express, or the Mac Address Book. When you sync the iPhone, iTunes checks for any changes to your contact information made from the iPhone or contact manager and will warn you of possible conflicts or changes that affect a large number of your contacts before making those changes.

Overview

Computer to iPhone (One-Way Sync)

• Audio/Video
• Photos
• Mail Accounts

iPhone to Computer (One-Way Sync)

• Photos taken by the iPhone camera

Computer to iPhone and vice-versa (Two-Way Syncing with merge capabilities)

• Contacts
• Calendars
• Bookmarks