From Newsgroup: misc.phone.mobile.iphone



OK, here goes...

About once a year I transfer my phone's photos to my PC for backup. I don't
use icloud for photos. I use a USB to lightning cable for efficiency's
sake.

Every time it's far from straightforward. This year the Windows 10 File
Manager refuses to show any folder newer than 2023. The file structure on
the phone shows as time stamped subfolders such as "202106_" which indeed includes photos from June 2021. The most recent one is "202306_a".

Anyone have any ideas how I can get to see newer photos?

I did try the SMBlan software we all were talking about last summer but is
no longer available in the appstore and was offloaded from my phone due to
the update to iOS 26. I also have "SMBmanager" but that's more of a one-file-at-a-time thing which would be painful.

Any good alternative SMB apps on iOS that can be recommended for bulk
transfer of photos?

--- Synchronet 3.21a-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: misc.phone.mobile.iphone

Chris <ithinkiam@gmail.com> wrote:

OK, here goes...

About once a year I transfer my phone's photos to my PC for backup. I don't use icloud for photos. I use a USB to lightning cable for efficiency's
sake.

Every time it's far from straightforward. This year the Windows 10 File Manager refuses to show any folder newer than 2023. The file structure on
the phone shows as time stamped subfolders such as "202106_" which indeed includes photos from June 2021. The most recent one is "202306_a".

Anyone have any ideas how I can get to see newer photos?

I did try the SMBlan software we all were talking about last summer but is
no longer available in the appstore and was offloaded from my phone due to the update to iOS 26. I also have "SMBmanager" but that's more of a one-file-at-a-time thing which would be painful.

Any good alternative SMB apps on iOS that can be recommended for bulk transfer of photos?

This is what I use.

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/link-to-windows/id6443686328

--- Synchronet 3.21a-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: misc.phone.mobile.iphone

badgolferman <REMOVETHISbadgolferman@gmail.com> wrote:

Chris <ithinkiam@gmail.com> wrote:

OK, here goes...

About once a year I transfer my phone's photos to my PC for backup. I don't >> use icloud for photos. I use a USB to lightning cable for efficiency's
sake.

Every time it's far from straightforward. This year the Windows 10 File
Manager refuses to show any folder newer than 2023. The file structure on
the phone shows as time stamped subfolders such as "202106_" which indeed
includes photos from June 2021. The most recent one is "202306_a".

Anyone have any ideas how I can get to see newer photos?

I did try the SMBlan software we all were talking about last summer but is >> no longer available in the appstore and was offloaded from my phone due to >> the update to iOS 26. I also have "SMBmanager" but that's more of a
one-file-at-a-time thing which would be painful.

Any good alternative SMB apps on iOS that can be recommended for bulk
transfer of photos?

This is what I use.

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/link-to-windows/id6443686328

Thanks. I'll check it out.

--- Synchronet 3.21a-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: misc.phone.mobile.iphone

Chris wrote:

badgolferman <REMOVETHISbadgolferman@gmail.com> wrote:

Chris <ithinkiam@gmail.com> wrote:

OK, here goes...

About once a year I transfer my phone's photos to my PC for
backup. I don't use icloud for photos. I use a USB to lightning
cable for efficiency's sake.

Every time it's far from straightforward. This year the Windows
10 File Manager refuses to show any folder newer than 2023. The
file structure on the phone shows as time stamped subfolders
such as "202106_" which indeed includes photos from June 2021.
The most recent one is "202306_a".
Anyone have any ideas how I can get to see newer photos?

I did try the SMBlan software we all were talking about last
summer but is no longer available in the appstore and was
offloaded from my phone due to the update to iOS 26. I also have >>>"SMBmanager" but that's more of a one-file-at-a-time thing which
would be painful.
Any good alternative SMB apps on iOS that can be recommended for
bulk transfer of photos?

This is what I use.

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/link-to-windows/id6443686328

Thanks. I'll check it out.

Windows 11 already has the accompanying app installed so it should be
fairly simple. I've tried it wirelessly and wired with the laptop.
They just both need to be on the same network.
--- Synchronet 3.21a-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: misc.phone.mobile.iphone

Am 18.01.26 um 16:28 schrieb badgolferman:

Chris wrote:

Thanks. I'll check it out.

Windows 11 already has the accompanying app installed so it should be
fairly simple. I've tried it wirelessly and wired with the laptop.
They just both need to be on the same network.

You are discussing methods from a very distant past:

https://apps.microsoft.com/detail/9pktq5699m62?ocid=webpdpshare
--
"Roma locuta, causa finita."
--- Synchronet 3.21a-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: misc.phone.mobile.iphone

J||rg Lorenz wrote:

Am 18.01.26 um 16:28 schrieb badgolferman:

Chris wrote:

Thanks. I'll check it out.

Windows 11 already has the accompanying app installed so it should
be fairly simple. I've tried it wirelessly and wired with the
laptop. They just both need to be on the same network.

You are discussing methods from a very distant past:

https://apps.microsoft.com/detail/9pktq5699m62?ocid=webpdpshare

Your reading comprehension and sense of reasoning leave a lot to be
desired...

From the OP:
"I don't use icloud for photos."
--- Synchronet 3.21a-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: misc.phone.mobile.iphone

On 18.01.26 16:55, badgolferman wrote:

J||rg Lorenz wrote:

Am 18.01.26 um 16:28 schrieb badgolferman:

Chris wrote:

Thanks. I'll check it out.

Windows 11 already has the accompanying app installed so it should
be fairly simple. I've tried it wirelessly and wired with the
laptop. They just both need to be on the same network.

You are discussing methods from a very distant past:

https://apps.microsoft.com/detail/9pktq5699m62?ocid=webpdpshare

Your reading comprehension and sense of reasoning leave a lot to be desired...

From the OP:
"I don't use icloud for photos."

Which is backward minded and a stupid decision given the problem the OP
has.

Given the fact that so many users in this group have so much spare time
leads inevitably to the conclusion this group is a virtual nursing home.
And you prove it every day.
--
"Roma locuta, causa finita" (Augustinus)
--- Synchronet 3.21a-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: misc.phone.mobile.iphone

J||rg Lorenz <hugybear@gmx.net> wrote:

On 18.01.26 16:55, badgolferman wrote:

J||rg Lorenz wrote:

Am 18.01.26 um 16:28 schrieb badgolferman:

Chris wrote:

Thanks. I'll check it out.

Windows 11 already has the accompanying app installed so it should
be fairly simple. I've tried it wirelessly and wired with the
laptop. They just both need to be on the same network.

You are discussing methods from a very distant past:

https://apps.microsoft.com/detail/9pktq5699m62?ocid=webpdpshare

Your reading comprehension and sense of reasoning leave a lot to be
desired...

From the OP:
"I don't use icloud for photos."

Which is backward minded and a stupid decision given the problem the OP
has.

Given the fact that so many users in this group have so much spare time
leads inevitably to the conclusion this group is a virtual nursing home.
And you prove it every day.

Who are you to question someone elserCOs choices?

--- Synchronet 3.21a-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: misc.phone.mobile.iphone

On 18.01.26 18:35, badgolferman wrote:

J||rg Lorenz <hugybear@gmx.net> wrote:

On 18.01.26 16:55, badgolferman wrote:

J||rg Lorenz wrote:

Am 18.01.26 um 16:28 schrieb badgolferman:

Chris wrote:

Thanks. I'll check it out.

Windows 11 already has the accompanying app installed so it should
be fairly simple. I've tried it wirelessly and wired with the
laptop. They just both need to be on the same network.

You are discussing methods from a very distant past:

https://apps.microsoft.com/detail/9pktq5699m62?ocid=webpdpshare

Your reading comprehension and sense of reasoning leave a lot to be
desired...

From the OP:
"I don't use icloud for photos."

Which is backward minded and a stupid decision given the problem the OP
has.

Given the fact that so many users in this group have so much spare time
leads inevitably to the conclusion this group is a virtual nursing home.
And you prove it every day.

Who are you to question someone elserCOs choices?

*ROTFLSTC*!
I usually question everything.
--
"Roma locuta, causa finita" (Augustinus)
--- Synchronet 3.21a-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: misc.phone.mobile.iphone

Chris <ithinkiam@gmail.com> wrote:

badgolferman <REMOVETHISbadgolferman@gmail.com> wrote:

Chris <ithinkiam@gmail.com> wrote:

OK, here goes...

About once a year I transfer my phone's photos to my PC for backup. I don't >>> use icloud for photos. I use a USB to lightning cable for efficiency's
sake.

Every time it's far from straightforward. This year the Windows 10 File
Manager refuses to show any folder newer than 2023. The file structure on >>> the phone shows as time stamped subfolders such as "202106_" which indeed >>> includes photos from June 2021. The most recent one is "202306_a".

Anyone have any ideas how I can get to see newer photos?

I did try the SMBlan software we all were talking about last summer but is >>> no longer available in the appstore and was offloaded from my phone due to >>> the update to iOS 26. I also have "SMBmanager" but that's more of a
one-file-at-a-time thing which would be painful.

Any good alternative SMB apps on iOS that can be recommended for bulk
transfer of photos?

This is what I use.

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/link-to-windows/id6443686328

Thanks. I'll check it out.

Requires the PC to have bluetooth which my Win10 machine doesn't have :(

--- Synchronet 3.21a-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: misc.phone.mobile.iphone

On 2026-01-18, Chris <ithinkiam@gmail.com> wrote:

OK, here goes...

About once a year I transfer my phone's photos to my PC for backup. I don't use icloud for photos. I use a USB to lightning cable for efficiency's
sake.

Every time it's far from straightforward. This year the Windows 10 File Manager refuses to show any folder newer than 2023. The file structure on
the phone shows as time stamped subfolders such as "202106_" which indeed includes photos from June 2021. The most recent one is "202306_a".

Anyone have any ideas how I can get to see newer photos?

I did try the SMBlan software we all were talking about last summer but is
no longer available in the appstore and was offloaded from my phone due to the update to iOS 26. I also have "SMBmanager" but that's more of a one-file-at-a-time thing which would be painful.

Any good alternative SMB apps on iOS that can be recommended for bulk transfer of photos?

You haven't said why you are avoiding using the Microsoft Photos app
with the Apple Devices app.
--
E-mail sent to this address may be devoured by my ravenous SPAM filter.
I often ignore posts from Google. Use a real news client instead.

JR
--- Synchronet 3.21a-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: misc.phone.mobile.iphone

Jolly Roger <jollyroger@pobox.com> wrote:

On 2026-01-18, Chris <ithinkiam@gmail.com> wrote:

OK, here goes...

About once a year I transfer my phone's photos to my PC for backup. I don't >> use icloud for photos. I use a USB to lightning cable for efficiency's
sake.

Every time it's far from straightforward. This year the Windows 10 File
Manager refuses to show any folder newer than 2023. The file structure on
the phone shows as time stamped subfolders such as "202106_" which indeed
includes photos from June 2021. The most recent one is "202306_a".

Anyone have any ideas how I can get to see newer photos?

I did try the SMBlan software we all were talking about last summer but is >> no longer available in the appstore and was offloaded from my phone due to >> the update to iOS 26. I also have "SMBmanager" but that's more of a
one-file-at-a-time thing which would be painful.

Any good alternative SMB apps on iOS that can be recommended for bulk
transfer of photos?

You haven't said why you are avoiding using the Microsoft Photos app
with the Apple Devices app.

Finally got more time to look at this. I didn't think of the photos app and
I tried it this time.

Not successfully.

All the photos show up in a, seemingly, alphabetical order which is
basically useless when trying to export the newest ones since last summer. There's no way to sort the view of photos to export nor the ability to view
any info on each photo. Not a workable option.

A fortunate side-effect, however, is that photos made many more folders
visible in the File Manager. Still several months of photos are still inaccessible...

It shouldn't be this difficult.
--- Synchronet 3.21b-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: misc.phone.mobile.iphone

Chris wrote:

It shouldn't be this difficult.

Hi Chris,

Given I'm running an experiment for an entire year on this newsgroup by
being less snarky about responding to comments like that above where I have
to bite my tongue when it comes to how Apple does things differently... :)

Given I'm on the Windows newsgroups all day, every day, in addition to the Android newsgroups, hopefully I can help you better understand what's going
on when dealing with the Apple iOS ecosystem in terms of interoperability.

Below is just my kind and hopefully helpful take on iPhone-to-Windows USB
photo transfer taking into account technical explanations and workarounds.

When connecting an iPhone to a Windows 10 PC via USB, the Windows File
Explorer may only display older DCIM subfolders (e.g., 202106_, 202306_a)
while newer folders are sometimes missing. This is apparently a known limitation of how iOS exposes photos to Windows via the MTP (Media Transfer Protocol) interface.

It's important to keep in mind that the iPhone does NOT expose its real filesystem, as that would be what every other common consumer operating
system does, and Apple doesn't do things the way other OEMs do them.

Android's MTP implementation, for example, DOES give us a direct view of
the actual internal storage, not a virtual reconstructed folder tree.

Instead of a direct view, iOS apparently generates a virtual DCIM directory
on demand. This Apple-only virtual directory is apparently incomplete, slow
to update & prone to caching errors, especially with large photo libraries.

So why does Windows show only older folders?
I can't say for sure, but here's my step-by-step probable-cause analysis...
1. First off, keep in mind that iOS uses MTP, not USB mass storage.
2. Unfortunately, iOS' MTP does not provide direct filesystem access.
3. Instead, iOS dynamically constructs a virtual DCIM folder tree.
4. The MTP index is cached.
5. Windows may reuse an outdated index, causing invisible newer folders.
6. iOS restricts access unless the device is unlocked and awake.
7. The DCIM structure is regenerated only when certain system events occur
8. Such as unlocking the phone, opening Photos, rebooting, etc.
9. Large libraries (>10k photos) cause partial enumeration,
where only older folders sometimes appear.
10. Some Lightning cables cause intermittent MTP enumeration failures.

Note the caching in step 4 above?
That problematic caching happens on both sides, i.e., both iOS and Windows.
But each caches in different ways. Therein lies the rub.

Notice that iOS caches the DCIM virtual directory internally.
But at the same time, iOS does not expose its real filesystem.

When you connect over MTP, iOS generates a virtual DCIM directory from its Photos database whose generated directory is cached in the Photos database (PhotoLibraryServices) and in the MTP daemon (mobile_file_relay / imagent / ptpd stack) and in in-memory structures that persist until reboot.

This means if iOS decides the DCIM tree hasn't "changed enough," it reuses
the old virtual structure, with the result that new folders may not appear until iOS rebuilds the virtual DCIM tree.

Yet rebuilding only happens after certain triggers (unlocking, opening
Photos, rebooting, etc.). So part of the "cache" results is simply iOS not regenerating the virtual folder list.

But wait. That's not all. There's Windows caching involved also.

Windows caches MTP folder listings in the Windows Shell.
Windows File Explorer uses the Windows Portable Devices (WPD) API, Shell
folder enumeration cache, Thumbnail cache, and Metadata cache in %LOCALAPPDATA%\Microsoft\Windows\Explorer

Therefore, Windows may reuse previously enumerated folder lists, and
previously enumerated file lists, and previously generated thumbnails.

Yikes.

This is perhaps also why you sometimes see old folders even after deleting
them on the phone as new folders don't appear until Windows forces a re-enumeration. Sigh.

When opening the Windows Photos app suddenly "fixes" the folder list, it's likely because Photos forces a deeper MTP scan than File Explorer does.

Who knew?
Now you do.

Now that we all know this, what are practical fixes that restore the
missing folders?

1. Unlock the iPhone and keep it awake.
a. First connect the phone.
b. Then Unlock it.
c. Then open the Photos app and leave it open.
d. Now open the Windows File Explorer.
e. Go to -> This PC -> iPhone -> Internal Storage -> DCIM.
f. This forces iOS to rebuild the MTP directory.

If it doesn't work... then...

2. Revoke and re-authorize "Trust This Computer".
a. To go iPhone Settings -> General -> Transfer or Reset
b. Then go to Reset -> Reset Location & Privacy.
c. Then reconnect and tap "Trust".
d. This forces iOS to rebuild the MTP permissions and index.

If it still doesn't work... then...

3. Restart both devices.
a. Restart iPhone.
b. Reboot Windows.
c. This clears cached MTP indexes on both sides.

If doing all that still doesn't work... then...

4. Use a different USB port or cable.
a. Use an Apple-branded Lightning cable (yeah, I'm being nice).
b. Avoid USB hubs.
c. Prefer USB-A ports directly on the motherboard.
Why? Faulty cables maybe can cause partial MTP enumeration.

5. Then use the Windows Photos app only to trigger a refresh.
a. Even if you do not import via Photos, launching it can force
iOS to expose more DCIM folders to File Explorer.
b. This matches your observation that Photos made more folders appear.

But that's not all. You know me. I advocate SMB & WebDAV also, but I also
use only free advertisement free (preferably FOSS) apps on my devices.

So why not use SMB with Windows instead?

Given we've already shown that of all consumer operating systems, only
Apple allows non-rooted/jailbroken devices to access Windows SMB ports,
then why are the SMB apps disappearing from the Apple App Store over time?

It seems that Apple has tightened filesystem access rules in recent iOS versions such that many SMB clients which had relied on older APIs that
allowed direct access to the photo library are no longer available.

When these APIs were deprecated, many apps were removed or became nonfunctional. And you can't go to another App Store like Android can.

I suspect this is why SMBlan vanished & why SMBManager feels limited.
But there may be reliable alternatives for bulk photo non-MPT file xfer.

These avoid the MTP/DCIM limitations entirely.

1. Documents by Readdle (free)
a. It's a full SMB client.
b. It can bulk-select photos.
c. It can transfer entire albums.
d. It works over Wi-Fi.
e. It does not require Bluetooth on the PC.
IMHO, this may be the closest modern replacement for SMBlan.

2. FileBrowser Pro (paid)
a. It has robust SMB support.
b. It handles thousands of files reliably.
c. It allows sorting by date.
d. It's very stable with Windows shares.
This is the most reliable long-term SMB solution.

3. iMazing (desktop application)
a. It reads the iPhone photo library directly.
b. It bypasses MTP entirely.
c. It allows sorting by date and exporting originals.
d. It works over USB without iCloud.
This is the most reliable USB-based method.

Given I'm trying very hard not to be snarky about file traqnsfer given
Apple's credo that everything "just works", I think you are not doing
anything incorrectly. It is just that interoperability between the iPhone-to-Windows USB photo transfer system is, in my humblest of opinions, inherently unreliable due to the limitations of MTP combined with how iOS implements it. I think that's the reason that the behavior you are seeing
of newer folders missing & older folders visible is extremely common.

My kind and heart-felt advice to you for long-term reliability is:
a. Use Documents by Readdle or FileBrowser Pro for SMB transfers...
b. Or use iMazing for USB transfers...
c. Or use Windows Photos only to force the Windows File Explorer
to refresh the DCIM index.

In my humble opinion, these methods bypass the fragile MTP/DCIM system and provide consistent bulk-photo-transfer capability of the Android:Windows interoperability ecosystem to the iOS:Windows interoperability ecosystem.
--
Since I invest vast energy into researching & carefully composing articles which edify everyone who wants to learn, I love to spread the word around.



--- Synchronet 3.21b-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: misc.phone.mobile.iphone

Chris wrote:

Chris <ithinkiam@gmail.com> wrote:

badgolferman <REMOVETHISbadgolferman@gmail.com> wrote:

Chris <ithinkiam@gmail.com> wrote:

OK, here goes...

About once a year I transfer my phone's photos to my PC for backup. I don't
use icloud for photos. I use a USB to lightning cable for efficiency's >>>> sake.

Every time it's far from straightforward. This year the Windows 10 File >>>> Manager refuses to show any folder newer than 2023. The file structure on >>>> the phone shows as time stamped subfolders such as "202106_" which indeed >>>> includes photos from June 2021. The most recent one is "202306_a".

Anyone have any ideas how I can get to see newer photos?

I did try the SMBlan software we all were talking about last summer but is >>>> no longer available in the appstore and was offloaded from my phone due to >>>> the update to iOS 26. I also have "SMBmanager" but that's more of a
one-file-at-a-time thing which would be painful.

Any good alternative SMB apps on iOS that can be recommended for bulk
transfer of photos?

This is what I use.

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/link-to-windows/id6443686328

Thanks. I'll check it out.

Requires the PC to have bluetooth which my Win10 machine doesn't have

Hi Chris,
This entire year I'm going to be nice to everyone, and very helpful.
The way Apple does it is always different from all other platforms.

So we can't understand the problem or its solution without knowing
how iOS does things differently than all other systems do those things.

iOS does not expose its real filesystem to Windows at all.
Instead it presents a temporary, virtual DCIM folder generated on-the-fly
from the Photos database. Because this virtual directory is cached and
rebuilt only under certain conditions, Windows often sees incomplete
or outdated folder lists when transferring photos over USB.

To help Chris, I described in gory detail what I think happened in another post on this thread, but I also edified everyone with a separate thread.

Newsgroups: misc.phone.mobile.iphone,comp.mobile.android,alt.comp.os.windows-10
Subject: Understanding MTP Photo Transfer Issues Across iOS, Android, and Windows
Date: Tue, 3 Feb 2026 15:01:08 -0500
Message-ID: <10ltk64$oa5$1@nnrp.usenet.blueworldhosting.com>

Unlike Android, iOS never exposes its actual filesystem to Windows.
Instead it generates a virtual DCIM directory through MTP, and because that directory is cached and rebuilt inconsistently, Windows often shows only
part of the photo library when you connect over USB.
--
Those who understand iOS realize it's nothing like any consumer platform.
--- Synchronet 3.21b-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: misc.phone.mobile.iphone

Chris <ithinkiam@gmail.com> wrote:

Jolly Roger <jollyroger@pobox.com> wrote:

On 2026-01-18, Chris <ithinkiam@gmail.com> wrote:

OK, here goes...

About once a year I transfer my phone's photos to my PC for backup. I don't >>> use icloud for photos. I use a USB to lightning cable for efficiency's
sake.

Every time it's far from straightforward. This year the Windows 10 File
Manager refuses to show any folder newer than 2023. The file structure on >>> the phone shows as time stamped subfolders such as "202106_" which indeed >>> includes photos from June 2021. The most recent one is "202306_a".

Anyone have any ideas how I can get to see newer photos?

I did try the SMBlan software we all were talking about last summer but is >>> no longer available in the appstore and was offloaded from my phone due to >>> the update to iOS 26. I also have "SMBmanager" but that's more of a
one-file-at-a-time thing which would be painful.

Any good alternative SMB apps on iOS that can be recommended for bulk
transfer of photos?

You haven't said why you are avoiding using the Microsoft Photos app
with the Apple Devices app.

Finally got more time to look at this. I didn't think of the photos app and
I tried it this time.

Not successfully.

All the photos show up in a, seemingly, alphabetical order which is
basically useless when trying to export the newest ones since last summer. There's no way to sort the view of photos to export nor the ability to view any info on each photo. Not a workable option.

A fortunate side-effect, however, is that photos made many more folders visible in the File Manager. Still several months of photos are still inaccessible...

It shouldn't be this difficult.

Have resolved it.

Trick is to let the *all* the photos load in the Photos app in Windows.
*Then* open File Manager which will show all the phone's photos available
for copying across folder by folder.

--- Synchronet 3.21b-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: misc.phone.mobile.iphone

Chris wrote:

It shouldn't be this difficult.

Have resolved it.

Trick is to let the *all* the photos load in the Photos app in Windows. *Then* open File Manager which will show all the phone's photos available
for copying across folder by folder.

It's important to keep in mind that the iPhone does NOT expose its real filesystem, as that would be what every other common consumer operating
system does, and Apple doesn't do things the way other OEMs do them.
--- Synchronet 3.21b-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: misc.phone.mobile.iphone

On 2026-02-09 10:54, Maria Sophia wrote:

Chris wrote:

It shouldn't be this difficult.

Have resolved it.
Trick is to let the *all* the photos load in the Photos app in Windows.
*Then* open File Manager which will show all the phone's photos available
for copying across folder by folder.

It's important to keep in mind that the iPhone does NOT expose its real filesystem, as that would be what every other common consumer operating system does, and Apple doesn't do things the way other OEMs do them.

Android doesn't expose its real filesystem either.

'Why Modern Android Devices Don't Support USB Mass Storage

USB mass storage -- also known as "USB mass storage device class," USB
MSC, or UMS -- was the way older versions of Android exposed their
storage to a computer. When you connected your Android device to your computer, you'd have to specifically tap a "Connect storage to PC"
button to make the Android device's storage accessible to the computer
over USB mass storage. When disconnecting it from the computer, you'd
have to tap a "Turn off USB storage" button.'

<https://www.howtogeek.com/192732/android-usb-connections-explained-mtp-ptp-and-usb-mass-storage/#why-modern-android-devices-don-39-t-support-usb-mass-storage>

'This protocol works very differently from USB mass storage. Rather than exposing your Android device's raw file system to Windows, MTP operates
at the file level. Your Android device doesn't expose its entire storage device to Windows. Instead, when you connect a device to your computer,
the computer queries the device and the device responds with a list of
files and directories it offers. The computer can download a file -- it
will request the file from the device, and the device will send the file
over the connection. If a computer wants to upload a file, it sends the
file to the device and the device chooses to save it. When you delete a
file, your computer sends a signal to the device saying, "please delete
this file," and the device can delete it.

Android can choose the files it presents to you, and hide system files
so you can't see or modify them. If you attempt to delete or edit a file
that can't be modified, the device will refuse the request and you'll
see an error message.'

Look at that:

The "man" who always writes only "facts"...

...got it wrong again.
--- Synchronet 3.21b-Linux NewsLink 1.2