How to Delete the iPhone Photo Cache From Mac

These two folders contain files that aren’t essential, since the high-resolution versions of the same pictures are already stored in the evergrowing Photos library. Essentially this means additional folders stealing storage space from more important files or folders.

As you can imagine, the more you use iTunes to sync your photos, the bigger the cache folder gets, and at some point that will obviously affect your Mac’s performance. Every Mac needs at least 10% free storage space to run smoothly. If you are running out of storage, macOS will start taking steps to optimize performance, but it won’t delete the growing cache folders for you.

Fortunately, there are two ways to delete the iPhone photo cache on a Mac, and in this article we will show you how to do it both the hard way and the easy way.

How to delete iTunes photo cache on a Mac

Interestingly, macOS will call the cache folder “iPod Photo Cache” even if you are using an iPhone and not an iPod. It will sync your pics with your Mac, so don’t search for an “iPhone Photo Cache” folder, because there won’t be one. Also, if you sync pictures using a USB cable, you still won’t find an “iPod Photo Cache” folder either.

The iPhone photos cache folder can be found in its default location, but in our testing that location is the “Pictures” folder. According to Apple’s support document it can also be part of the Photos Library, iPhoto Library, or Aperture Library. Follow the steps below to locate the iPhone photo cache:

How to delete the iPhone photo cache the easy way

Mac optimization apps help you save time and nerves when locating files and identifying the right folders. Besides cleaning the photo cache, Mac optimization apps such as CleanMyMac, MacKeeper, Advanced Mac Cleaner, and the like will help you optimize storage and remove cache files as they pile up with the click of a button.

Of course, you can always review the files before the app deletes them, but since we are talking about cache files you won’t need to worry too much about obliterating them since these are resized duplicates of the high-res pictures you already saved in your Photos library.