By Daryl McCartney – Apple Master Trainer
Hi all,
While running an ACMT course recently it became apparent that it is not so well known that when Apple released the latest MacBook (Retina, 12”, Early 2015) they also updated Target Disk Mode to support the latest USB Type C connector.
Although the USB-C connector is currently exclusive to the new MacBook, this doesn’t mean that Target Disk Mode is limited to transfer only between these new MacBooks.
If you wish to transfer all of your data using Migration Assistant then this is only achievable between new MacBooks using a separately purchased USB 3.0 or USB 3.1 USB-C Cable (USB-C to USB-C) as the USB-C charge cable supplied does not support Target Disk Mode.
If you need to transfer data from your old Mac to your new MacBook then you will need to manually copy the files across. Place the new MacBook into Target Disk Mode and then using a USB 3.0 or 3.1 USB-A to USB-C Cable you can mount the drive to your old Mac.
NOTE: To enable Target Disk Mode, hold down the ’T’ key during startup on the Mac. If you have a Firmware password then you will not be able to do this but the same can be achieved by using Startup Disk preferences.
Best
Daryl.