Target disk mode if Thunderbolt required for Old Mac to New Mac

Im just wondering, can I target disk mode a Mac that doesn't support macOS Big Sur or later to a one that does using a standard USB-A to USB-C Cable? , or do I need Thunderbolt?

The disk Target: MacBook Air 5,1

Mac accessing files: Mac 16,1

MacBook Pro 14″, macOS 26.2

Posted on Feb 6, 2026 2:55 PM

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2 replies

KiltedTim

Level 10

228,888 points

Feb 6, 2026 3:00 PM in response to l3xor88

edit. misread this as firewire... either way, you should be fine.

That said, you should be fine with either one given the versions of macOS you're running.

l3xor88 Author

Level 1

42 points

Feb 6, 2026 3:03 PM in response to KiltedTim

No, No firewire,

The MacBookAir 5,1 is OS X Yosemite, the Mac 16,1 is Tahoe

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Target disk mode if Thunderbolt required for Old Mac to New Mac

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