Questions about transferring from old to new iPhone.

[definitive]

I have a 12, and want to transfer to a 17. Updated 12 to iOS26, backed up through iCloud. Not sure what steps to take next.

I'm using a SIM card in my 12 with TMobile, but the 17 has an eSIM. Will I get an option to transfer from one to the other once the 17 is configured?

I have an app or two that aren't in the App Store anymore. What's the best option for me here? I wanted to set up through iCloud, but don't know if it'll download the discontinued app(s) through there.

I might give the 12 to someone once I have my 17 set up. At what point do I disable FindMy & reset the 12 to factory defaults?

 

[Sheepish-Lord]

Hundreds of videos online you can watch but literally put the phones next each other and follow the prompts on the new. Should basically make a 1-1 copy, it should ask to convert you pSIM to eSIM but you can do it before if you want as well, and it might not download the apps but why would you be using apps not in the app store?

 

[jz0309]

I have a 12, and want to transfer to a 17. Updated 12 to iOS26, backed up through iCloud. Not sure what steps to take next.

I'm using a SIM card in my 12 with TMobile, but the 17 has an eSIM. Will I get an option to transfer from one to the other once the 17 is configured?

I have an app or two that aren't in the App Store anymore. What's the best option for me here? I wanted to set up through iCloud, but don't know if it'll download the discontinued app(s) through there.

I might give the 12 to someone once I have my 17 set up. At what point do I disable FindMy & reset the 12 to factory defaults?

I have always used phone to phone wireless migration in the past, has worked great for me.

Last week when I picked up my 17PM at the Apple Store, I used the free iCloud service to first backup my 13PM and then restore onto the 17PM. Big mistake, watch didn't pair, and the whole resort process took like 4.5hrs to complete. Was missing all my ripped music too... it did restore that 1 app that I cannot find in the App Store anymore.

I will never use iCloud again for migration, and to ensure that your apps get reloaded, there's an app called amazing that gets good reviews from folks here and can do what you are asking for. I should have done that.

when to disable/restore your 12? when you are confident that your new phone has all the data and works properly.