A question about interfacing with an iphone

Hello Developers

          Hello.  I am a happy Linux user, I have been for many years.  
I use Ubuntu as my only OS for about 7 or 8 yrs.   Today I bought a new 
iphone 5c ,  because it is an excellent phone.    So, I am concerned 
about not being able to get iTunes, because iTunes needs to run on a 
desktop, and I am being told that I need iTunes to do OS updates to my 
new iphone and to buy music from the iTunes store.    Can Rhythmbox  
interface with iphone in any way ?  Can you give me any ideas at all  
about this ?    I will appreciate any answers and advice from you.

Thank you.

-- 
Eddie Colon
Raleigh,NC