What cable do i use to connect my iphone se 2nd generation to my macbook pro 16 inch 2021? The cable that came with the iphone se 2nd gen used to connect my iPhone to my MacBook Pro mid-2015, but there is no port on the MacBook Pro 2021 that fits. Help please!
iPhone SE, iOS 17
No problem. Let me try to fill you in about USB & Thunderbolt.
First, USB 1.0, 2.0, etc. & Thunderbolt 1.0, 2.0, etc. are standards that define a port's support capabilities.
Second, USB-A, USB-B, USB-C define the port's "shape." The Thunderbolt 3.0 & 4.0 standards require the USB-C port type.
Today, most newer computers have migrated to using USB-C type ports. Again, this is the port's shape. Interestingly, the Thunderbolt 3 & 4 standards use this same port shape. This is where a lot of us get confused.
So, going back to your current charging cable. It would have two port types (shapes). On one end it would be Apple's Lightning connector, and on the other end a USB-A type connector. As you already know, this USB-A connector will not directly fit into your newer MacBook Pro (MBP). Your MBP has the USB-C type ports. That is why you would need a USB-A to USB-C adapter, like one provided you a link with.
Ok, with that said, let's move our focus to those capabilities standards. Your MBP comes with three USB-C type ports. They support up to USB 4.0 or Thunderbolt 4.0. Both of these standards allow for a data transfer rate of up to 40Gbps. Very fast.
Now, let's look at what your 2nd gen. iPhone SE's Lightning port can support up to USB 3.0 which maxes out at 5 Gbps. As you can see, a lot "slower" that what your MBP can support.
Therefore, you only need to use your existing cable, with the adapter that I mentioned if your goal is to connect your iPhone to your MBP for either syncing data or making backups. You do not need any cables or adapter that support Thunderbolt for this. Whomever told you that you need to get a Thunderbolt 4 is not the same as USB-C, don't know what they are talking about. Don't be fooled into getting something you don't need, and most likely, would have to pay more for.
Hopefully, this clears things up a bit for you.
No problem. Let me try to fill you in about USB & Thunderbolt.
First, USB 1.0, 2.0, etc. & Thunderbolt 1.0, 2.0, etc. are standards that define a port's support capabilities.
Second, USB-A, USB-B, USB-C define the port's "shape." The Thunderbolt 3.0 & 4.0 standards require the USB-C port type.
Today, most newer computers have migrated to using USB-C type ports. Again, this is the port's shape. Interestingly, the Thunderbolt 3 & 4 standards use this same port shape. This is where a lot of us get confused.
So, going back to your current charging cable. It would have two port types (shapes). On one end it would be Apple's Lightning connector, and on the other end a USB-A type connector. As you already know, this USB-A connector will not directly fit into your newer MacBook Pro (MBP). Your MBP has the USB-C type ports. That is why you would need a USB-A to USB-C adapter, like one provided you a link with.
Ok, with that said, let's move our focus to those capabilities standards. Your MBP comes with three USB-C type ports. They support up to USB 4.0 or Thunderbolt 4.0. Both of these standards allow for a data transfer rate of up to 40Gbps. Very fast.
Now, let's look at what your 2nd gen. iPhone SE's Lightning port can support up to USB 3.0 which maxes out at 5 Gbps. As you can see, a lot "slower" that what your MBP can support.
Therefore, you only need to use your existing cable, with the adapter that I mentioned if your goal is to connect your iPhone to your MBP for either syncing data or making backups. You do not need any cables or adapter that support Thunderbolt for this. Whomever told you that you need to get a Thunderbolt 4 is not the same as USB-C, don't know what they are talking about. Don't be fooled into getting something you don't need, and most likely, would have to pay more for.
Hopefully, this clears things up a bit for you.
You just need to get a USB-A to USB-C adapter, something like this one:
Thanks for responding Tesserax. Unfortunagtely, I'm not tech savvy. Can you clear this up for me... So the existing charging cord is USB (not sure if it's A or B type). This end will need to plug into an adapter that will then plug into a Thunderbolt 4 port. I can find adapters that will plug into UBS-C, but not for Thunderbolt 4. I was told I needed to make sure I got Thunderbolt 4 as it's not exactly the same as USB-C, but now I'm beginning to wonder, as there doesn't seem to be such an adapter. Are Thunderbolt 4 and USB-C the same??? Thanks so much.
Tesserax - Finally an explanation I understand! I had no understanding of the differences between USB 1.0, 2.0 and Thunderbolt 1.0, 2.0, nor that USB-A, USB-B, USB-C, are shapes, and certainly I didn't have a clue about capabilities standards. Thank you so much for explaining that. So how about another question.
> iCloud storage: some of my files/folders have cloud symbols, others have cloud symbols with an arrow and others have nothing. Googling only gave me conflicting answers. I have plenty of storage space available. What do they really mean???
Again thank you for your help, it's greatly appreciated!
I certainly don't mind addressing your new question, but I would suggest going forward, when you change topics that you start a new post. That way it would get the attention that it deserves.
As far as iCloud, I would start with this reference: iCloud User Guide - Apple Support
How to connect iPhone to MacBook Pro
