do I have to have the usb because I don't have one

noahsims wrote:

thank you, I did not know there were adapters. When I got the Mac I was wondering how I was going to plug my phone in to transfer content like music and apps. Do you know where I might find these adapters?

You (guessing) might have an older USB-A to Lightning cable, and now have a laptop with USB-C, and there are USB-C to Lightning cables available from Apple (in 1m and 2m lengths), as well as USB-C chargers if you want or need those. (Newer iPhones ship with the USB-C cable, and no charger.)

You might choose to use the existing USB-Lightning cable with an older (5w/10w/12w) wall-wart USB-A power charger, and the newer USB-C to Lightning cable for use with your Mac, for instance. The iPhone will charge with either.

iPhone 8 and newer can rapid charge with USB-C connections, too: Fast charge your iPhone - Apple Support

As for adapters and dongles, there are some of those in the Apple online store, and from most other retailers..

For docks, there are various vendors. Brydge and CalDigit are two. There are others.

https://www.brydge.com/pages/docking-stations

https://www.caldigit.com/docks/

Different folks have different sets of connections and different numbers of connections they need, too. Which means there are different combinations of options available.

Some reading on USB, USB-A and USB-C connectors, Thunderbolt, and some other details: https://www.cablechick.com.au/blog/complete-guide-to-thunderbolt-usb-c/

In the new USB-C world, you’ll usually want a USB-C Thunderbolt cable too, even for USB connections. And to be clear, “USB-C” and “USB-A” are references to connectors, and not a reference to USB communications or Thunderbolt or power delivery that can be available via those connectors. Mac usually has USB-C connectors with USB, Thunderbolt, and power delivery (PD) available, though not all USB-C connections on all devices offer all that.

You’re going to need to add a few more words around whatever is happening here.

If you’re confused about USB-C and USB-A connectors and USB connections, well, so are other many folks. There are add-on docks and adapters that can get from either Thunderbolt or USB connections with a USB-C connector to USB on USB-A connectors, if that’s what you are seeking here.

noahsims wrote:

please help

? say what...

USB-C to USB Adapter - Apple