Data Migration

Thanks Lawrence Finch. My real concern is whether or not the Data Migration feature will even work with my old iPhone 5s? I am running iOS 12.5.5. I have read that it should work with iOS 12.4 or higher. But an AT&T rep told me that it will not work at all with iPhone 5s. I do not use iCloud (I am a digital painter and prefer to back up my original files manually to an external drive). I also have not performed a backup of my iPhone on iTunes (the article's other recommended route). I appreciate your knowledge and your advice.

So true regarding the AT&T sales force not being technically adept. I would not even imagine applying for a position that I knew nothing about. Yet, these folks get hired because of their ability to move products, not inform the customer base about technological considerations. The dilemma for me is that these two aspects are so intertwined. A competent sales agent should understand the technological parameters of what he or she is selling. Very frustrating.

Yes, I realize that. The interesting factor in this case is that AT&T (our current internet and mobile provider) actually mailed us two, brand new, FREE iPhone Xr units. They are unused, not refurbished. While they are still far from being up-to-date, this represents a quantum upgrade for us. I have had my original, and only, smartphone — my iPhone 5s — since I first got it. I think it was in 2015. It has been a reliable warrior, with its meager 16 GB capacity. I feel like I really must take advantage of this offer. AT&T is switching over to 5G and the old phones will be phased out by February of 2022.

I read about Apple’s evolution of the Data Migration feature. It seems simple and relatively quick to perform, especially with only 16 GB transferring over to 64 GB.

The AT&T rep got me concerned when he told me I would not be able to use the feature with an iPhone 5s. That’s why I posted.