Note: This article was originally published in 2011. Some steps, commands, or software versions may have changed. Check the current Apple documentation for the latest information.
It’s starting to get really annoying that every time I connect one of my iOS devices iPhoto shows up when all I want to do is either charge the device or sync it. Well, there are two solutions to this problem that I know of: a) IF you’re on Snow Leopard or later you can configure what application to launch for each device following this instructions:
Plug in your iPhone or iPad (or iPod touch). Launch Image Capture from our Applications folder Select your iPhone or iPad (or iPod touch) once it shows up under devices Look at the lower bottom pane where you’ll see “Connecting this opens” Set this preference to “No application”
b) If you have a earlier version then all you can do is have the iPhoto app stop opening every time you connect a Camera. Simply open iPhoto and under the first window in preferences you should be able to see the option to launch iPhoto when a camera is connected. Just deselect that and you should be good to go.
Summary
You’ve successfully learned stop iphoto from opening every time i connect my iphone or ipad. If you run into any issues, double-check the prerequisites and ensure your Apple environment is properly configured.