How to Transfer Photos from an Iphone to a Mac

Having to juggle between multiple devices has become an everyday reality for many users. As a result, we often find that the files we need right now on the current device are stored somewhere completely different. Users in the Apple ecosystem, for example, may need a convenient and efficient way to transfer Photos from their iPhones to a Mac computer. There are multiple different methods to accomplish this task. Take a look at the suggestion outlined below to find the one that best suits your needs. 

Use a Lightning-to-USB cable

Let’s start with the tried and true method of physically connecting the two devices with the appropriate cable, a Lightning-to-USB one in this case. 

1. Connect the iPhone to the Mac with a Lightning-to-USB cable.
2. Unlock the iPhone and confirm that you trust the connected device.
3. On the Mac, the Photos app should open automatically and show you the images stored on the iPhone.
4. If the app doesn't start, then open 'Photos,' and select your iPhone from the available devices on the left. 
5. Click on 'Import All New' items located in the upper right corner of the window or select individual photos to import. 
6. After the process is complete, you can instruct the Photos app to delete the images from the iPhone, freeing up more space on the device. 

Use Finder

Devices running macOS Catalina (10.15) or newer can use Finder to sync an iPhone with a Mac computer. 

1. Connect the iPhone to the Mac with a USB cable.
2. On the Mac, open a new Finder window.
3. Locate 'Devices' in the sidebar and choose your iPhone.
4. Now, click on 'Photos.'
5. Select the 'Sync Photos' box.
6. Select the destination you wish to sync from.
7. Choose between syncing all photos and albums or just individual ones.
8. Click 'Apply.' 

Transferring photos wirelessly

Users also can move photos from an iPhone to a Mac without the need for any cables. In fact, they can do so in several different ways. One is syncing the devices through iCloud. While convenient, this method does have some limitations for free users. iCloud Photos can handle up to 5GB of photos and videos but to go above that size will require an upgrade to the user's storage plan. The different tiers can go from $0.99 per month for 50GB all the way up to $9.99 for the 2TB of space option. Another wireless method involves using AirDrop. Make sure that AirDrop is enabled on both devices and then follow the steps:

1. Open Photos on the iPhone.
2. Select the pictures you wish to transfer.
3. Tap on the 'Share' button.
4. Wait for the Mac to appear among the available options.
5. Tap on it.
6. Move to your Mac. A pop-up prompt will ask you to accept the incoming files.