For a direct transfer, connect your iPhone to your Mac with a USB cable and import through Photos. To avoid USB conversion of HEIF or HEVC media, first set Settings > Apps > Photos > Keep Originals on the iPhone. If you use iCloud Photos, select Download Originals to this Mac when you need full-resolution originals stored locally.
Choose a transfer method that matches what you need
| Method | Best for | Quality and availability |
|---|---|---|
| Photos over USB | Importing directly into the Mac Photos library | Set Keep Originals on the iPhone to prevent HEIF/HEVC conversion during USB import. Items whose originals are only in iCloud may not be available to import from the phone. Apple Support; Apple Support; Apple Support. |
| Image Capture over USB | Saving imports directly to a Mac folder | Apple lists Image Capture as a folder-oriented import option. Apple Support. |
| AirDrop | Sharing selected items wirelessly with a nearby Mac | Choose Current to prevent format conversion. Choose All Photos Data when the original file, edit history, and metadata matter. Apple Support. |
| iCloud Photos | Keeping a library available across devices | Originals are stored in iCloud. Choose Download Originals to this Mac for local full-resolution files; Optimize Mac Storage can keep smaller versions on the Mac. iCloud Photos uses iCloud storage. Apple Support; Apple Support. |
Import with Photos using a USB cable
- Connect the iPhone to the Mac with a data-capable USB cable that fits both devices.
- If prompted, allow the accessory. Unlock the iPhone and tap Trust if asked.
- Open Photos on the Mac. If the Import screen does not appear, click the iPhone in the Photos sidebar.
- Select the items and click Import Selected, or choose Import All New Photos.
- Wait for the import to finish before disconnecting the iPhone. Apple Support.
Prevent conversion of HEIF and HEVC during USB import
On the iPhone, open Settings > Apps > Photos and select Keep Originals before importing. Apple says HEIF or HEVC media may otherwise be converted during USB import. HEIF and HEVC offer better compression than JPEG and H.264 while preserving the same visual quality; that format guidance is not a transfer-speed or comparative quality test. Apple Support.
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Use Image Capture to save files in a folder
If you want files outside the Photos library, connect the iPhone by USB, open Image Capture on the Mac, select the iPhone, and choose a destination folder before importing. Apple identifies Image Capture as a way to import photos directly into a folder. Apple Support; Apple Support.
AirDrop selected items without changing their format
- On the iPhone, open Photos, select the item or items, and tap Share.
- Tap Options. Choose Current to prevent format conversion.
- If you need to send the original file with its edit history and metadata, turn on All Photos Data. Apple says this option is available for AirDrop and iCloud links.
- Choose AirDrop and select your Mac. Apple Support.
Use iCloud Photos when you want the library on both devices
Enable iCloud Photos on the iPhone and Mac with the same Apple Account. On the Mac, open Photos settings and choose Download Originals to this Mac if you want the full-resolution files kept locally. With Optimize Mac Storage, the originals remain in iCloud while the Mac can keep smaller versions to save space. Apple Support; Apple Support.
#1 Best Overall
- USB-C 2-in-1 storage OTG: The Lexar JumpDrive Dual Drive D40E features USB Type-A and Type-C connectors in a slim, portable form factor for easy device compatibility
- Transfer speeds up to 100MB/s: Based on internal testing, performance may vary depending upon the host device, interface, and usage conditions. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes
- Plug and Play: Widely compatible with USB Type-C smartphones, tablets, laptops, Macs, and traditional Type-A devices, no software installation required. The 360° swivel design allows for easy switching between connectors without the hassle of losing a cap
- Durable & Compact: The Lexar D40E USB memory stick features a metal enclosure, withstands temperatures from 0° to 50° C (32°F to 122°F), and is lightweight at 26g with dimensions of 70.4 x 16.9 x 11.7mm
- Security & Warranty: Securely protects files using an advanced security software solution with 256-bit AES encryption. Backed by a Lexar 3-year limited warranty
Apple describes iCloud Photos this way: “iCloud Photos always uploads and stores your original, full-resolution photos.” That describes the originals stored in iCloud; it does not mean every device has downloaded a local full-resolution copy. Apple Support.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.If photos or videos are missing from a USB import
Check whether Optimize iPhone Storage is enabled for iCloud Photos. In that setup, an original may be in iCloud rather than stored on the iPhone, leaving it unavailable for a manual cable import. To access those originals on the Mac, enable iCloud Photos there; alternatively, AirDrop the items if you do not want to enable iCloud Photos on the Mac. Apple Support.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- USB-C 2-in-1 storage OTG: The Lexar JumpDrive Dual Drive D40E features USB Type-A and Type-C connectors in a slim, portable form factor for easy device compatibility
- Transfer speeds up to 100MB/s: Based on internal testing, performance may vary depending upon the host device, interface, and usage conditions. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes
- Plug and Play: Widely compatible with USB Type-C smartphones, tablets, laptops, Macs, and traditional Type-A devices, no software installation required. The 360° swivel design allows for easy switching between connectors without the hassle of losing a cap
- Durable & Compact: The Lexar D40E USB memory stick features a metal enclosure, withstands temperatures from 0° to 50° C (32°F to 122°F), and is lightweight at 26g with dimensions of 70.4 x 16.9 x 11.7mm
- Security & Warranty: Securely protects files using an advanced security software solution with 256-bit AES encryption. Backed by a Lexar 3-year limited warranty
Rank #4
- The 2-in-1 flash drive with a reversible USB Type-C and a traditional Type-A connector.
- Seamlessly move content between your USB Type-C smartphone, tablets and Macs and USB Type-A computers(2) | (2) Mobile device requires USB Type-C port and On-The-Go (OTG) support. See the official SanDisk website for a list of compatible devices.
- Free up space on your USB Type-C smartphone(2)
- Automatically back up photos with SanDisk Memory Zone app(3) | (3) Download and installation of SanDisk Memory Zone app required.
- High-performance USB 3.1 Gen 1 drive with 150MB/s read speeds(1) | (1) Read speeds up to 150MB/s. Write speed lower and vary by capacity. USB Type-C port with USB 3.1 Gen 1/ USB 3.0 support required. Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending upon host device, interface, usage conditions and other factors. 1MB = 1,000,000 bytes.
Rank #3
- 2 in 1: USB C + USB 3.0, 32GB usb c flash drive has dual ports, usb 3.0 port is applied to all devices which have usb 3.0 interface and usb c port is widely used in all Android smartphones with OTG function
- High Speed USB 3.0: Read speed up to 90 MB/s, Write speed up to 30 MB/s, the speed of USB 3.0 interface is faster than USB 2.0, save time to wait, increases work productivity. Note: Speed will be limited if you use the USB key in the USB 2.0 interface
- Large Compatibility: The USB 3.0 Connector is compatible with USB 3.0 & USB 2.0 backward USB 1.1 devices, such as Laptop, Desktop, Car Audio, Tablet, TV, Speakers, Projector. USB-C port is compatible with all Android Smartphones
- Expand Storage: Good performance in storing, transferring and sharing digital data with families, friends, colleagues, customers. It can expand the capacity of smartphone, you can watch movies or share pictures when you go on vacation with your family
- Note: Make sure your smartphone is equipped with OTG function and need to open OTG function in Settings when you plug memory stick, then you can transfer easily data bewteen different devices
Rank #2
- USB-C 2-in-1 storage OTG: The Lexar JumpDrive Dual Drive D40E features USB Type-A and Type-C connectors in a slim, portable form factor for easy device compatibility
- Transfer speeds up to 100MB/s: Based on internal testing, performance may vary depending upon the host device, interface, and usage conditions. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes
- Plug and Play: Widely compatible with USB Type-C smartphones, tablets, laptops, Macs, and traditional Type-A devices, no software installation required. The 360° swivel design allows for easy switching between connectors without the hassle of losing a cap
- Durable & Compact: The Lexar D40E USB memory stick features a metal enclosure, withstands temperatures from 0° to 50° C (32°F to 122°F), and is lightweight at 26g with dimensions of 70.4 x 16.9 x 11.7mm
- Security & Warranty: Securely protects files using an advanced security software solution with 256-bit AES encryption. Backed by a Lexar 3-year limited warranty
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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