iPad Pro Solved: Can’t restore iTunes Backup from 2009 Mac Mini with USB-A-to-C cable

[colmaclean]

Probably a niche problem, but I can’t get iTunes to recognise my new iPad Pro.

When it’s connected to my USB-A-to-C cable, the Photos app opens on the Mac, so the Pro is being recognised. Also, in System Report the iPad is shown as connected (see attached pic).

But still nothing is picked up by iTunes.

I’ve tried restarting both devices multiple times, but still iTunes doesn’t mount the new iPad.

Anyone here had better luck with connecting to iTunes on a USB-A-to-C cable?

 

[tekchic]

Yikes. I don't have any solutions for you yet, sorry. When I get home tonight though, I'll be in the same boat -- I have a USB A to C cable I've been using to charge my Nintendo Switch on the go. It's what I was planning on using tonight to restore from backup.

I'll post later if it worked or if I had issues w/it. It's a generic Amazon Basics nylon braided A to C cable.

 

[BeatCrazy]

What version of iTunes are you on? You might need to be on the latest/later version.

 

[iapplelove]

What version of iTunes are you on? You might need to be on the latest/later version.

They should have come out with a revised version, supporting the new iPads.

Usually it promps once iTunes detects a device.

 

[colmaclean]

iTunes version 12.8.0.150.

Software Update tells me all software is up to date...

 

[BeatCrazy]

iTunes version 12.8.0.150.

Software Update tells me all software is up to date...

You might need 12.9. What does it say on the back of the iPad Pro box for minimum software required?

 

[tgara]

You might need a data cable to use in conjunction with the new USB-c port. The cable you are currently using might be just for charging.

https://www.amazon.com/Anker-Powerl...618444&sr=8-4&keywords=anker+usb-c+to+usb+3.1

 

[colmaclean]

You might need 12.9. What does it say on the back of the iPad Pro box for minimum software required?

It says iTunes 12.5 or greater here: https://www.apple.com/lae/ipad-pro/specs/

Update: I plugged the Pro into my MBP instead of the Mini and was prompted that a software update needs to be run.

Went back to the Mini and found the same window had appeared on connection, but UNDERNEATH the iTunes window, so I missed it. Fat lot of use!

Now downloading this update, it’s taking a while...

 

[tekchic]

Aww crap. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XXPN458/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

This is what I bought and now I read on the description that it doesn't support data transmission. Guess I'm buying a dongle tonight at the Apple Store when I go pick up my Pencil 2.

 

[colmaclean]

You might need a data cable to use in conjunction with the new USB-c port. The cable you are currently using might be just for charging.

https://www.amazon.com/Anker-Powerl...618444&sr=8-4&keywords=anker+usb-c+to+usb+3.1

I’ve used the same USB-A-to-C cable to deploy apps on my Apple TV, so it should be good for data transfer,

 

[iapplelove]

It says iTunes 12.5 or greater here: https://www.apple.com/lae/ipad-pro/specs/

Update: I plugged the Pro into my MBP instead of the Mini and was prompted that a software update needs to be run.

Went back to the Mini and found the same window had appeared on connection, but UNDERNEATH the iTunes window, so I missed it. Fat lot of use!

Now downloading this update, it’s taking a while...

Yup it will automatically prompt the revised version for new devices.

 

[tekchic]

I’ve used the same USB-A-to-C cable to deploy apps on my Apple TV, so it should be good for data transfer,

Thanks, maybe I'll just try that cable tonight instead of buying a $20 dongle from Apple. If it doesn't work, I can either restore over wifi (all night while I'm sleeping) or just set up iPad as new, which isn't the worst thing for it.

 

[Clionah]

Spent a lovely 40 minutes with Apple on this issue to learn that you MUST have Mojave to transfer a backup from iTunes via usb-c. My latest version of iTunes on High Sierra would not recognize the new iPad Pro via USB-C.

C

 

[tekchic]

Spent a lovely 40 minutes with Apple on this issue to learn that you MUST have Mojave to transfer a backup from iTunes via usb-c. My latest version of iTunes on High Sierra would not recognize the new iPad Pro via USB-C.
C

Oh no, seriously? I have a 2013 MBP... I really don't want to upgrade that machine to Mojave and slow it down even more. I have it on High Sierra now and planned to keep it that way. Only just went to High Sierra about a month ago, too. I also have a 2015 work MBP that can't go higher than HS due to software we use. Guess it's starting from fresh for me. Apple's making it hard for me to love them today between this, no screen protectors, etc.

 

[colmaclean]

After installing the hidden software update I mentioned above, I’ve now successfully set up my new Pro from my 10.5 Pro’s backup.

Note my Mini is running El Capitan, so there’s apparently no restriction to Mojave for USB-A-to-C cable connections.

 

[newellj]

After installing the hidden software update I mentioned above, I’ve now successfully set up my new Pro from my 10.5 Pro’s backup.

Note my Mini is running El Capitan, so there’s apparently no restriction to Mojave for USB-A-to-C cable connections.

It's not clear to me what the software update was for or to - iTunes, a helper app for the Mac, an update on the iPad?

 

[digitalcuriosity]

It's not clear to me what the software update was for or to - iTunes, a helper app for the Mac, an update on the iPad?

Your 10.5 iPad software should be 12.1.1 today 12/11/2018 is this correct.

 

[newellj]

It's not clear to me what the software update was for or to - iTunes, a helper app for the Mac, an update on the iPad?

Automatically came up when I used a USB-A to USB-C cable on my Mini running El Cap. Worked great. Mojave is definitely NOT needed to backup/restore a 2018 iPad Pro.

 

[Hym tix]

Spent a lovely 40 minutes with Apple on this issue to learn that you MUST have Mojave to transfer a backup from iTunes via usb-c. My latest version of iTunes on High Sierra would not recognize the new iPad Pro via USB-C.

40 minutes, sorry! And the information they gave wasn't even that clear. Mojave is only required if your Mac has USB-C ports and you want to backup your new iPad Pro with the included USB-C to USB-C cable. (may also be true for backing up via lightning to USB-C... not sure)

Backing up to a USB 3.0 port on an older Mac does not require Mojave. But it will require a data cable with USB-C to USB-A connection.

If the cable is rated for USB 3 speeds the backup will go much faster than previous syncing, which is a huge benefit for the new iPad Pro. Previously backup and sync would only get faster speeds when connected to a USB-C port on the host computer.
[doublepost=1544624104][/doublepost]and this is my experience: I synced the 2018 iPad Pro with a 2014 MacBook Pro on El Capitan. My backup restored 180GB to my iPad in only 30 minutes. Here's the cable I bought and it works great http://a.co/d/4clFtjw