I’ve cleared privacy and location on iPhones. I’ve tried different cables also tried resetting network settings on phones. I’ve also tried safe mode. I believe it is an issue with 15.7 update since it was all working in 15.6
The 15.7 update did not stop my iPhone from connecting, backing up or syncing via a USB cable.
You did not say if the iPhone(s) were updated or what iOS version they are running.
Try this: Shut Down and Restart the iPhone(s) and Mac, then try again.
ref article: Back up iPhone - Apple Support
I would bet it is something that you have done on your phone in that frenzy of changes you mention. Every iPhone (13,14,15,16,17) Pro Max that I have owned just connects with an appropriate USB cable to my Macs and from there is accessible from the Finder sidebar.
Updated sequoia to 15.7 from 15.6 now cannot detect any iPhone
