I have a fairly old Mac Pro 5,1 with USB 2.0 ports, no Wi-Fi.


The new iPad Pro has USB-C connection.

Does anyone know how I can connect the two and make a backup of the iPad on my Mac with iTunes?

iPad Pro Wi-Fi, iOS 12.1
Today I received the "AmazonBasics - USB C Cable to USB Type A, USB 3.1, 2. 0.9 "
I can confirm this cable works perfectly with iPad Pro 2018 12.9" and Mac Pro 5,1 — it syncs ands charges:
It is a real nice and sturdy cable, it's about 5 mm / 0,20" thick.
Today I received the "AmazonBasics - USB C Cable to USB Type A, USB 3.1, 2. 0.9 "
I can confirm this cable works perfectly with iPad Pro 2018 12.9" and Mac Pro 5,1 — it syncs ands charges:
It is a real nice and sturdy cable, it's about 5 mm / 0,20" thick.
I hear ya. You are far from the only one with this issue.
(Personally coming out with a new cable and not acknowledging the decades old industry standard of USBA isn’t the most consumer friendly thing to do). It doesn’t just affect folks like you with older devices but also Windows users.
All I can suggest it to keep looking and find someone that has personal knowledge of what ones work. I’m afraid I don‘t have either a pro or mac so can’t experiment.
You can send them feedback and let them know the issue. Perhaps that will motivate them to come up with a solution
Product Feedback - Apple (beyond thinking that you just need to buy a new mac with USBC connections)
If I find someone with a good solid solution I’ll post it.
People have had success with many third party cables:
Something like this should work: https://www.amazon.com/Cable-Matters-USB-C-Black-Feet/dp/B00S8GU2OC
More info here:
USB-C iPad Pro to USB-A Macbook iTunes Backup
and here:
I had a chat with a support employee and he suggested the USB to Ligtning cable.. so it might just be a little bit too soon to ask for USB-C cables and adapters 🙂
Lightning-naar-USB-kabel (0,5 m) - Apple (NL)
Anyway, thanks for the help. Much appreciated!
Jeronymus wrote:
I had a chat with a support employee and he suggested the USB to Ligtning cable.. so it might just be a little bit too soon to ask for USB-C cables and adapters 🙂
Lightning-naar-USB-kabel (0,5 m) - Apple (NL)
Anyway, thanks for the help. Much appreciated!
The Lightning to USB cable will not work. Do not buy it. The 2018 iPad does not have a lightning port. It has a USB-C port. Very different things.
The anker cable may have an issue, or your Mac USB port may be shorting out.
Does it shut down if you plug in anything else?
Of course 🙂 but which one? Which one works with data and power so I can charge the iPad and create a backup on my Mac?
I tried an Anker USB-C 3.1 Gen 1 to USB adapter (female) with a USB cable (male/male) but my Mac didin't like that and shut down as soon as I plugged in the cable. Like this:
[iPad Pro] --- [Anker USB-C male / USB adapter female] --- [USB male/male cable] --- [Mac]
Yes I know as I have other Apple devices which charge and backup with a Lightning cable 🙂 just saying that Apple employees aren't fully up to date yet as they advised to use a Lighting cable.
Other devices like external HD, iPhone etc work just fine on this USB port.
I just ordered some other USB-C to USB cables from Amazon, I will report back which ones work and which ones don't.
Jeronymus wrote:
Yes I know as I have other Apple devices which charge and backup with a Lightning cable 🙂 just saying that Apple employees aren't fully up to date yet as they advised to use a Lighting cable.
Ahh missed that. Yes, indeed. Apple employees are sadly less than fully up to date.
Also works: AmazonBasics USB Type C to USB A 2.0 male Cable – 6 feet
https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/B01GGKYN0A/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s01?ie=UTF 8&psc=1
Charges and backup runs automatically with iTunes when connected to Mac.
About the Apple USB-C to USB Adapter - Apple Support
it says it supports data transfer. THen you’d just need a male/male USBA
I believe you look for a USB a to USB c cable
Thanks. I tried this one from Anker via Amazon but when I connect it my Mac shuts down immediately 😮 could be the adapter or the USB male/male cable.
Connect iPad Pro 2018 to Mac?
