Using USB digital microscope on iPad seems impossible

Before my second MacBook Pro puffed out, I could use pretty much any USB digital microscope using Photo Booth. Now, my iPad won’t let me use it. First I had to buy a mini USB to USB-C cord…to no avail. It wasn’t broken, so why’d you fix it is my question. Seems Apple made it less compatible. Thanks.




iPad, iPadOS 18

Posted on Mar 10, 2025 11:34 AM

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Posted on Mar 11, 2025 9:16 AM

Many USB devices require installation of appropriate device specific driver-software on the host computer. Unlike your Mac and Windows PC, with which you may be familiar, iPadOS does not support installation of third-party drivers - unless they are incorporated with a manufacturer-provided compatible App.


As such, unless your USB Microscope has a manufacturer-provided App available from the Apple App Store, your Microscope may not be compatible with your iPad/iPadOS.


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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Mar 11, 2025 9:16 AM in response to StLucifer

Many USB devices require installation of appropriate device specific driver-software on the host computer. Unlike your Mac and Windows PC, with which you may be familiar, iPadOS does not support installation of third-party drivers - unless they are incorporated with a manufacturer-provided compatible App.


As such, unless your USB Microscope has a manufacturer-provided App available from the Apple App Store, your Microscope may not be compatible with your iPad/iPadOS.


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Using USB digital microscope on iPad seems impossible

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