The process of setting up an iPhone has come a long way over the years. Just like last year, I placed my new device next to my older version, and I was pleased to find that a significant part of the setup was automated.
Despite these advancements, there are still several manual tasks that can become a hassle. One notable frustration is that some gaps in the setup become apparent only when you need to perform specific actions for the first time.
As noted by Mark Gurman from Bloomberg, there’s a considerable amount of work left to do even after completing the initial setup.
Apple has made transferring data from one iPhone to a new one incredibly simple. However, the subsequent steps, like signing into apps again, can take several hours. While it may seem trivial, it’s clearly an area that Apple is likely addressing as a future enhancement.
This observation may be more of a logical deduction than factual evidence, but one can reasonably assume that Apple is indeed prioritizing this issue.
One of the first steps we usually encounter is the prompt to reconfigure our Apple Pay cards. Even if everything appears to be set up, users may only discover a card needs activation when attempting to use it for the first time after switching devices.
Additionally, paired devices, such as headphones and wearables, do not automatically transfer to the new iPhone. While I sometimes feel like I own a small audio shop with my headphones, even those with just one or two often find this inconvenient. Devices like the Apple Watch, smart rings, and smart scales also present similar challenges.
Another hurdle is needing to log in again to all our apps. For those utilizing two-factor authentication—which is highly recommended—we must also generate new codes, adding yet another layer of complexity to the transition.
Nonetheless, Apple has tackled seemingly insurmountable challenges in the past—like updating an iPhone while it’s still in its packaging. Therefore, it’s reasonable to believe that with enough creativity, they will also find a solution to this latest hurdle.
I truly look forward to the day when I can simply place my new device next to my old one, authorize the transfer using Face ID, and watch as my entire phone seamlessly transfers over, bit by bit.
Is this a feature you’re eager to see? Vote in our poll and let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
