iPad Pro iPP 12.9 M1: Advice for photo migration and backup

[hoover86]

I recently purchased a iPP M1 12.9 512 to see if I could use it as my primary computer. If my trial is successful, I'll sell my 8th Gen iPad and 2013 15" MBP and have a streamlined setup.

I have a moderately-sized photo library (~40gb) on my MBP. I would want to migrate all these photos to the iPP, use the iPP as my "hub" for photos -- while also backing it up to a USB-C SDD and a USB-C flash drive occasionally. Despite searching forums and online, I don't see a straightforward way to do this.

I'm hopeful that if it works, I can regularly offload my iPhone photos to the iPad, and continue to backup my libraries.

Any input or feedback is appreciated!

 

[StumpyBloke]

Use iCloud photos for your library. You’ll have to buy additional iCloud storage but it’s dirt cheap.

 

[dsusanj]

Select photos in the Photos app, tap on the Share arrow, choose Save to Files, and save to an external SSD drive.

Perhaps this can be automated with a shortcut.

 

[dsusanj]

Use iCloud photos for your library. You’ll have to buy additional iCloud storage but it’s dirt cheap.

Cloud storage should generally NOT be considered to be a backup.

If you delete a photo then it's also gone from the cloud and all the devices. This is good for syncing the library but is not how backups work.

 

[hoover86]

Thanks, yes, I'm hyper-careful with cloud storage, and always like to have a physical backup.

I'm still trying to figure out best way to migrate Mac Photo library to iPad photos though -- I guess syncing through Photos might be easiest option?

 

[dsusanj]

Thanks, yes, I'm hyper-careful with cloud storage, and always like to have a physical backup.

I'm still trying to figure out best way to migrate Mac Photo library to iPad photos though -- I guess syncing through Photos might be easiest option?

Syncing via the iCloud Photo Library is the easiest way to do this, while you still have your Mac.

 

[StumpyBloke]

Cloud storage should generally NOT be considered to be a backup.

If you delete a photo then it's also gone from the cloud and all the devices. This is good for syncing the library but is not how backups work.

Yes I know, didn’t say it was for backing up. The initial question is regarding synchronisation and that’s what I answered.

But you are absolutely right, always have separate back ups.

 

[hoover86]

Thanks! Sounds like that will be easiest. Glad to know we are all backing up!

 

[ericwn]

The only direct way to get all original images from Mac Photos to iPad Photos app is via iCloud Photo Library. Syncing from Mac to iPad will not move the entire library in full resolution, just like iTunes photos syncs were never full resolution.

I’m using iCloud Photo Library for years with the option to keep a local copy of the library on my iPad.