Syncing new Photos on iPhone to iMac

Question

Level 1

15 points

Why would an iPhone not show up for import (sync) into Photos?

Does the iPhone need to be plugged in?

Or can the iPhone sync into Photos on an iMac without a wired USB connection?

Thanx,

Bruce

iPhone 16 Pro Max, iOS 18

Posted on Dec 26, 2025 1:38 PM

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Answer 1

Level 9

61,076 points

Importing your Photos from an iPhone to a Mac where the device will appear in the Photos app on the Mac is done with a wired connection.
You can use AirDrop to send photos from an iPhone to Mac wirelessly where they can be saved in your Photo Library and appear there when you open the Photos app.
With Photos in iCloud, all devices using the same Apple Account will automatically keep all photos synced the same across those devices.

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Answer 2

Level 10

91,208 points

Or, if using iCloud, enable iCloud photos on all devices.

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