I have lost my iPhone 11 (in a river) which was never backed up (had phone since October 2021) is there a way to backup new Iphone 11 from an iphone prior to this current lost iphone

littlestfan wrote:

Was backed up so even if I just get some contacts back that would be helpful

Ok, I didn't get that from your original post: I have lost my iPhone 11 (in a river) which was never backed up

If it was backed up, then yes, it would be possible to restore its data to a new iPhone.

Ref: Transfer content from your previous iOS device to your new iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support

is there a way to backup my new Iphone 11 from an iphone prior to this lost iphone

Maybe, if you have a backup of the old phone and are using the same Apple ID and Password that was used before. But....even if this is possible, the new iPhone will look just like the old iPhone did at the time the backup was made......which was likely years ago.

Chances are, there will be a number of apps that will not run on the new phone.

If you never backed up your old iPhone, there is nothing for you to restore from ... regardless of which model your new iPhone is. Sorry!