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The easiest way to move data from your old iPhone to iPhone 18 Pro is Apple Quick Start: place the phones beside each other, then follow the setup prompts. Choose a direct transfer to keep the migration on the two phones, or choose the iCloud download option to use the new iPhone while apps and data continue downloading in the background.

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 follow Apple’s general iPhone migration guidance, which does not name iPhone 18 Pro specifically. Apple’s announcement and Quick Start instructions provide the relevant details.

Choose a transfer method

Method Best when What to know
Quick Start, direct transfer Your old iPhone is available and you can leave both phones together until the transfer finishes. Moves data phone to phone without first restoring a backup. Both devices are occupied during the transfer. Apple Quick Start guidance
Quick Start with iCloud download Your old iPhone is available, but you want to start using the new phone while downloads continue. Use the nearby iPhone to begin setup, then choose the iCloud download option. Apps and data download in the background. Apple Quick Start guidance
Restore an iCloud backup Your old iPhone is unavailable, but you have a suitable iCloud backup. Select the iCloud restore option during setup. Apple’s iCloud restore instructions
Restore a computer backup You have a backup made with Finder, Apple Devices, or iTunes. Apple lists computer backups as an alternative for transferring data and purchased content. Apple’s transfer-method overview
Wired transfer You prefer a physical connection and have a compatible data cable. Apple documents this option, but the right cable depends on the exact phone pairing. Confirm connector fit and data-transfer support before buying one. Apple Quick Start guidance

Prepare your iPhones

  • Have your Apple Account password ready, particularly if you will restore from a backup.
  • For Quick Start, connect the old iPhone to Wi-Fi and turn on Bluetooth.
  • Have power available for both phones. Keep them close together and plugged in during migration.
  • If you are restoring a backup, make sure a suitable iCloud or computer backup exists.
  • Choose a time when you do not need the old phone. Apple says a direct Quick Start transfer occupies both devices until it finishes.

Apple does not give a fixed completion time: transfer duration varies with network conditions and the amount of data. Apple Quick Start guidance

Transfer with Quick Start

  1. Turn on iPhone 18 Pro and place it beside your old iPhone.
  2. Check that Wi-Fi is connected and Bluetooth is on for the old phone.
  3. Follow the setup prompts on both iPhones to begin Quick Start.
  4. When asked how to move data, choose direct transfer to migrate between the phones, or choose the iCloud download option to let apps and data download in the background.
  5. Keep both devices near each other and connected to power until the direct transfer completes. If you chose iCloud download, the downloads can continue in the background while you use the new iPhone.

If the Quick Start prompt disappears from the old phone, restart both devices and try again. Apple Quick Start guidance

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#1 Best Overall
Apple iPhone 17 Pro, US Version, 512GB, eSIM, Deep Blue- Unlocked (Renewed)
  • 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%.

Restore from an iCloud or computer backup

If your old iPhone is not available, use an existing backup. During iPhone 18 Pro setup, choose the restore option for the backup you have: iCloud, or a computer backup made with Finder, Apple Devices, or iTunes. Follow Apple’s iCloud restore steps or review its overview of transfer methods for the applicable route.

Do you need a cable?

No cable is needed for wireless Quick Start. A wired transfer is also documented by Apple, but there is no single cable recommendation established for every older iPhone and iPhone 18 Pro pairing. Before using or buying a cable, check the connector on the old phone and confirm the cable supports data transfer, not just charging. Apple Quick Start guidance

Rank #2
Apple iPhone 17 Pro, US Version, 256GB, eSIM, Cosmic Orange- Unlocked (Renewed)
  • 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%.

Special case: organization-managed iPhone

If iPhone 18 Pro is enrolled in Apple School Manager or Apple Business, Apple says Quick Start cannot transfer data from the current device. Follow your organization’s approved setup process and check which backup options it allows. Apple Quick Start guidance Apple’s transfer-method overview

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What may not transfer exactly as expected

Apple’s general migration guidance does not specify how every third-party app handles sign-ins, passwords, or service-specific history. Check any critical app or service separately after setup rather than assuming its session or data will be restored unchanged.

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Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 1
Apple iPhone 17 Pro, US Version, 512GB, eSIM, Deep Blue- Unlocked (Renewed)
Apple iPhone 17 Pro, US Version, 512GB, eSIM, Deep Blue- Unlocked (Renewed)
Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.; Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
$1,161.26
Bestseller No. 2
Apple iPhone 17 Pro, US Version, 256GB, eSIM, Cosmic Orange- Unlocked (Renewed)
Apple iPhone 17 Pro, US Version, 256GB, eSIM, Cosmic Orange- Unlocked (Renewed)
Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.; Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
$1,019.00
Bestseller No. 3
Apple iPhone 17 Pro, US Version, 256GB, eSIM, Deep Blue- Unlocked (Renewed)
Apple iPhone 17 Pro, US Version, 256GB, eSIM, Deep Blue- Unlocked (Renewed)
Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.; Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
$973.24
Rank #3
Apple iPhone 17 Pro, US Version, 256GB, eSIM, Deep Blue- Unlocked (Renewed)
  • Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
  • Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.