How can I transfer data from iPhone running iOS 18.1.1 to a laptop?

What you can and cannot transfer between an iPhone and a Windows PC:

What You Can Transfer Easily:

1. Photos & Videos – Transfer is straightforward using: Import
2. Music & Audio Files –
   1. If purchased from the Apple Music Store, you can sync with iTunes for Windows.
   2. Manually transfer non-DRM audio files using iTunes or third-party software.

Some data can be synced to a Windows PC Documents & Files –

1. 1. iCloud Drive for Windows (syncing documents stored in iCloud).
   2. File-sharing apps (OneDrive, Google Drive, AirDrop alternatives).
   3. Email, Calendars, Contacts etc

What You Cannot Transfer Directly:

1. Messages (iMessage & SMS) –
   1. No built-in way to transfer or back up iMessage/SMS on a Windows PC.
   2. Third-party software may extract messages from an iPhone backup.
2. App Data –
   1. Apps and their data are sandboxed and cannot be directly accessed or copied.
   2. Some apps provide their cloud backups (e.g., WhatsApp via Google Drive/iCloud).
3. Voice Memos –
   1. Cannot be directly accessed from File Explorer.
   2. You must manually share/export each memo via email, AirDrop, or iTunes.
4. Call Logs Health Data & Settings – No official method to export call logs or system settings to a Windows PC.

Hello,

Start here:

If your computer doesn't recognize your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support

Good luck.

Use third party apps on PC

you can transfer music, audio, photos, videos easily

What You Can Transfer Easily:

1. Photos & Videos – Transfer is straightforward using: Import
2. Music & Audio Files –
   1. If purchased from the Apple Music Store, you can sync with iTunes for Windows.
   2. Manually transfer non-DRM audio files using iTunes or third-party software.

I'm really confused. In respect to your response (relevant excerpt in italics ^^), I thought that iTunes didn't work anymore. If I am incorrect, can you please explain or point me to a solution for using iTunes to transfer music (non-DRM only) from my iPhone (iPhone 16 Pro Max/iOS 18.3.1) to my PC (Win 11)? I do not want to sync, I only want to move the music.

Many thanks.