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User profile for user: MikeHigdon
MikeHigdon Author
User level: Level 1
21 points

iPhone 16 Pro will not work with iMac 2017 using USB-C to USB-C cables

I just received the iPhone 16 Pro and plugged the included USB-C to USB-C cable into the Thunderbolt port on the back of my 27-inch iMac 2017 Intel Core i7. There was no charging response and no data response. I plugged in one of my larger USB-C cables used for charging my MacBook and I got a message that the USB Accessories Could not be powered.


I tried the same cables on a newer MacBook Pro and they both worked for charging the iPhone.


I can also use USB-C to Lightning cable just fine to charge my iPhone 12 Pro and my keyboard and mouse.


Any idea why the newer USB-C cables and/or the iPhone 16 Pro just will not work at all with the iMac 2017? It's on Ventura 13.7 so it meets the minimum requirements. And Charging the iPhone 12 Pro can't be that much different in terms of power consumption. This iMac has two, 3.1 Thunderbolt ports so it should all technically be compatible.


So far I've tried restarting. And I think I reset the SMC but I'm not sure if it was successful.


I haven't found other issues online yet (probably because the phone just came out today).

iMac 27″ 5K, macOS 13.7

Posted on Sep 20, 2024 1:34 PM

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User profile for user: binziebody
binziebody
User level: Level 1
20 points

Posted on Sep 21, 2024 11:05 AM

I suspect could be due to the power for those thunderbolt ports. I tried with a USB-A to USB-C connector and it works.

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User profile for user: amalia2345
amalia2345
User level: Level 1
48 points

Oct 22, 2024 4:05 AM in response to MikeHigdon

It seems like the issue could be related to compatibility between the iMac 2017's Thunderbolt ports and the new iPhone 16 Pro, possibly due to power delivery or how the iMac handles USB-C connections. To resolve this, try resetting the SMC on your iMac again to ensure it’s done correctly. For Intel iMacs, shut down the iMac, unplug the power cord for 15 seconds, then plug it back in, wait another 5 seconds, and turn it on. Since you received a message about USB accessories not being powered, your iMac’s Thunderbolt ports might not be providing enough power to charge the iPhone. You could try using a powered USB-C hub or dock to see if that helps. Additionally, keep in mind that USB-C cables vary in power delivery and data transfer capabilities, so even though the cables work with a newer MacBook Pro, they might not be as compatible with older hardware. Try using an Apple-certified USB-C cable or one rated specifically for Thunderbolt 3. Lastly, check if there are any macOS updates that might improve USB-C/Thunderbolt compatibility, especially with a newer device like the iPhone 16 Pro. Since the phone is brand new, it may take some time for more users to report similar issues, potentially leading to fixes. Hope this helps!

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iPhone 16 Pro will not work with iMac 2017 using USB-C to USB-C cables

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