I recently bought an iPad 10. Rather than a lightning connector, it has a USB-C connector, and the cable that it comes with has a USB-C connector at both ends. However, my laptop does not have USB-C ports, only USB-A ports. As far as I am aware, there are no cables that connect a USB-C device to a USB-A laptop. Is there any way that I can sync the iPad with iTunes? Or am I out of luck? Thank you.
iPad, iPadOS 16
If your Windows PC only has USB Type-A ports, you simply require a certified USB3 Type-A to USB-C cable - these being readily available from good computer stores - and Apple.
Here is one example manufactured by mophie - marketed by Apple:
https://store.apple.com/xc/product/HN892ZM/A
You are advised to avoid simple plug adapters - as these lack the protective electronic circuitry that is built-in to all certified USB-C cables.
If your Windows PC only has USB Type-A ports, you simply require a certified USB3 Type-A to USB-C cable - these being readily available from good computer stores - and Apple.
Here is one example manufactured by mophie - marketed by Apple:
https://store.apple.com/xc/product/HN892ZM/A
You are advised to avoid simple plug adapters - as these lack the protective electronic circuitry that is built-in to all certified USB-C cables.
Of itself “USB” describes a generic high-speed data interface, USB-C being the most recent “standard”.
USB-C and USB Type-A actually refer to the physical connector - and not the services and/or data rate that the associated port can support. USB Type-A can support up to USB 3.x data speeds, while USB-C can go much faster; in addition to supporting at least USB3, many devices will support USB4 - and many other connection types such as Thunderbolt and HDMI Alt Mode without the need for an additional adapter.
Your iPad USB-C port can synchronise with a Windows PC, regardless of the PC’s USB port-type, as long as the required version of iTunes for Windows is installed.
Connecting the iPad USB-C port to the USB Type-A port of your PC is fully supported - but you will require a certified USB3 Type-A to USB-C cable - as previously outlined.
Be assured, using a USB Type-A to USB-C cable is the correct way to accomplish what you are tying to achieve.
mitsguy2001 wrote:
I recently bought an iPad 10. Rather than a lightning connector, it has a USB-C connector, and the cable that it comes with has a USB-C connector at both ends. However, my laptop does not have USB-C ports, only USB-A ports. As far as I am aware, there are no cables that connect a USB-C device to a USB-A laptop. Is there any way that I can sync the iPad with iTunes? Or am I out of luck? Thank you.
you buy an adapter so you can sync.
Apple told me that won’t work, and those cables do the opposite of what I want to do. They said that they are if you have a USB-A device and a computer with only USB-C ports. I’m assuming you tried what you suggested and it worked, and Apple was wrong?
Thank you.
You’re very welcome.
Interestingly, the 2 page instruction manual does not mention syncing as something that can be done with the USB-C port. That makes me wonder if it’s able to sync even with a compatible cable.
Sync iPad 10 with iTunes if laptop doesn't have USB-C ports
