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Confued Hogie
User level: Level 1 (8 points)

Apps and messages missing after iPhone 16 to iPhone 17 Pro Max transfer

I just got the IPhone 17 Pro Max, I was transferring from the 16 to the 17 (The phone store now sends you home to do this). The 16 said it was done but the 17 was still going. No question it's user error, all Apple stuff transferred to the 17 but not my Apps or Messages and now my service is transferred to the 17. So how on earth can I get my apps and messages from the 16 (it has to be returned)???

Posted on Oct 16, 2026 12:38 PM

1 reply

6x6
User level: Level 7 (26,777 points)

Oct 16, 2026 4:48 PM in response to Confued Hogie

When you set up a new phone, based on another one using Quick Start, your current apps are downloaded from the App Store, which can take some time.


I'm not sure about the message issue, though. If you synchronize them with iCloud, they will be downloaded to your new iPhone (make sure Messages is turned on in Settings > [your name] > iCloud).

Originally posted at discussions.apple.com/thread/256377452