Apple’s Quick Start is the simplest documented way to move data from an old iPhone to iPhone 18 Pro: place the phones near each other during setup, then follow the prompts. You can transfer directly between the phones without iCloud, or choose an iCloud download so apps and data continue downloading while you use the new phone.
Apple announced iPhone 18 Pro on September 9, 2026; availability began September 18 in initial markets and September 25 in additional countries and regions. The instructions below use Apple’s general iPhone migration guidance, which does not specifically name iPhone 18 Pro.
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Choose the transfer method that fits
| Method | Old iPhone available? | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Quick Start: direct transfer | Yes | Move data phone to phone during setup. Both phones remain occupied until transfer finishes. Apple does not publish a fixed speed ranking or time estimate. Apple Quick Start guidance |
| Quick Start: download from iCloud | Yes, to begin setup | Use the nearby old iPhone to start setup, then select the iCloud download option. Apps and data download in the background, so you can use the new phone sooner. Apple Quick Start guidance |
| Restore an iCloud backup | No, if a suitable backup exists | Choose this during setup and select the backup to restore. Apple iCloud restore instructions |
| Restore a computer backup | No, if a backup exists | Apple lists Finder, Apple Devices, and iTunes backups as transfer options. Apple transfer methods |
| Wired transfer | Yes | Apple documents a wired option, but the suitable cable depends on the particular pair of phones. Check connector fit and data-transfer support before buying one. Apple Quick Start guidance |
Prepare the phones
- Have your Apple Account password ready, particularly if you will restore a backup.
- For Quick Start, connect the old iPhone to Wi-Fi and turn on Bluetooth.
- Charge both phones or keep them connected to power throughout the transfer.
- Set aside time when you will not need the old phone. Apple says direct Quick Start occupies both devices until it finishes.
- If you plan to restore from a backup, confirm that a suitable iCloud or computer backup is available.
Apple says transfer duration varies with network conditions and the amount of data being moved; its cited guidance does not give a reliable number of minutes or hours.
Transfer directly with Quick Start
- Turn on iPhone 18 Pro and place it near your old iPhone.
- Check that Wi-Fi is connected and Bluetooth is on for the old iPhone.
- Follow the setup prompts on both phones. When asked how to move data, choose the direct phone-to-phone transfer.
- Keep the phones close together and connected to power until the transfer completes.
This route does not require an iCloud backup, but both phones are occupied during the migration.
#1 Best Overall
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- When you receive the phone, insert a SIM card from a compatible carrier. Then, turn it on, connect to Wi-Fi, and follow the on screen prompts to activate service.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charger and charging cable.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
Use Quick Start and download from iCloud
- Turn on iPhone 18 Pro and place it near the old iPhone to begin setup.
- Follow the Quick Start prompts, then choose the option to download apps and data from iCloud when asked how to move data.
- Keep the new phone connected to the internet while the download continues. You can begin using it before all apps and data finish downloading.
Restore a backup without the old iPhone
Restore from iCloud
During iPhone 18 Pro setup, choose the option to restore from an iCloud backup and select the appropriate backup. You will need the Apple Account credentials associated with it. Follow Apple’s iCloud restore instructions.
Restore from a computer
If you have a backup made with Finder, Apple Devices, or iTunes, use Apple’s transfer and restore guidance to restore it during setup.
Rank #2
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- When you receive the phone, insert a SIM card from a compatible carrier. Then, turn it on, connect to Wi-Fi, and follow the on screen prompts to activate service.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charger and charging cable.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
Do you need a cable?
No cable is needed for wireless Quick Start or restoring from iCloud. A wired transfer is an available alternative, but there is no single cable established here as correct for every old iPhone and iPhone 18 Pro pairing. Check the connector on your old phone and confirm the cable supports data transfer—not just charging—before purchasing one.
If Quick Start does not appear or transfer stalls
- If the setup prompt disappears from the old phone, restart both devices and try again.
- Keep the phones near each other and plugged into power during migration.
- If a direct transfer is not practical or does not work, use an existing iCloud or computer backup instead.
- For a new phone enrolled in Apple School Manager or Apple Business, Apple says Quick Start cannot transfer data from the current device. Follow the organization’s approved setup process and consult its available backup options.
Apple’s general migration guidance does not specify the restoration behavior of every third-party app, account session, password, or service-specific history. Check the relevant app or service if a particular item is critical.
Quick Recap
Rank #3
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
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