With my iPhone connected to my Macbook Pro using an USB cable, I simply want to copy and paste from my iPhone's photo folder to a folder of choice on my Mac, and vice versa. How do I do this?
I don't want to use any other apps; iTunes, iPhoto, Photos, Photo Booth, Image Capture. I do not want to use WiFi or Air Drop, and I do not want to involve iCloud, which I do not use.
(iPhone & MacBook Pro)
You can't, it's possible only on Windows. On Mac you need to use Image Capture, Photos app or third-party apps.
As far as I know this is not possible. The best way to go about it would be to use the Photos app.
See Transfer photos and videos from your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch – Apple Support for help
Yeah I absolutely understand where you're coming from.
I used Image Capture for iOS image imports for years before I moved all of my images onto iCloud Photo Library and got used to the Photos interface. I absolutely agree that going through Photo's can be time consuming especially if you want to access the files in Finder later.
Image Capture is simple to use and, though not the same as going straight through Finder, is probably the application which will achieve the process of importing images which you are after (or at least, close to what you are after).
You can request this feature be added by heading over to Product Feedback - Apple
Yes,
Connect your iPhone with a USB cable, wait for a while and you will see your iPhone in Finder, choose photos and extract them.
But you should be having macOS Catalina.
:)
Arnav
Thanks ShadowDust99, at least you know what you're talking about. However I've already viewed that link and the explanation does not allow me to do what I want. Incidentally, my favoured approach is to use Image Capture. It is the least intrusive application of all those I've seen. However, this should be a simple file system operation (even if I have to install Public/Private keys to authenticate).
The issue is that I use Finder to manage my files all the time, including those on external hard drives as well as networked drives. However, I don't take many photos nor download them often. So when I need to do so, it is an increadibly difficult workflow for something that should be really simple. This frustrates me no end and makes me want to remind Apple that I bought this phone and it belongs to me. I'm not renting or leasing it, nor was it issued to me by an employer. I want to use my devices my way. I could keep going with the rant, but this is a good point to stop.
I am on Catalina, thanks for reminding me about that, I forgot to mention it in the OP.
When I do this, Finder opens up iTunes, as if by stealth. I say stealth because instead of showing me folders, it shows me what I recognise as iTunes yet the Menu Bar still shows Finder and Finder's menus.
As for iTunes appearing in Finder, iTunes was actually removed in macOS Catalina, so what you are seeing open is completely normal. Devices are now backed up using Finder and iTunes does not exist on macOS anymore.
You can read more about this at What happened to iTunes? – Apple Support and Use the Finder to sync your iPhone, iPad or iPod with your computer – Apple Support
Yes, I'm aware iTunes as an app does not exist. But what I see in Finder is basically the same UI. It appears to have all the same options and functions.
How to transfer photos from iPhone to Mac using simple Finder
