Transfer and manage all data between iOS devices, device and computer, and iTunes and devices.
How to Transfer Apps from iPhone to iPhone 17/16/15/14
Posted by Alvin Cantero to iOS Transfer Sep 28, 2025
Getting a new iPhone is exciting, but the thought of setting it up and transferring all your data—especially your favorite apps—can be daunting. Unlike photos or contacts, you can't directly transfer the app data alone; the process of transferring apps from iPhone to iPhone involves reinstalling the apps on your new device and then transferring their associated data. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the four most effective methods to seamlessly transfer your apps and their data from your old iPhone to your new one.
Guide List
Important Note: How Apps Are Actually Transferred Method 1: The Easiest Way – Quick Start (Direct Transfer) Method 2: Use iCloud Backup to Transfer Apps between iPhone Method 3: Transfer Apps from iPhone to iPhone with iTunes Method 4: The Most Flexible Way to Transfer Apps between iPhoneImportant Note: How Apps Are Actually Transferred
It's crucial to understand that when you transfer apps from iPhone to iPhone, you are not moving the actual application files. Instead, you are using methods that:
1. Automatically download and install the same apps from the App Store onto your new iPhone.
2. Transfer the data within those apps (like login information, game progress, or documents) from your old device.
The best method for you depends on whether you are setting up a brand-new iPhone or want to transfer data after initial setup.
Method 1: The Easiest Way – Quick Start (Direct Transfer)
This is Apple's recommended method for setting up a new iPhone and transferring apps from iPhone to iPhone. It uses a direct device-to-device wireless connection to migrate all your data, including app data, seamlessly. It’s the best way to set up a brand-new iPhone directly from your old one. But you should note that both iPhones must be running iOS 12.4 or later, having Bluetooth enabled, and be placed near each other.
Step 1Turn on your new iPhone and place it near your current iPhone. The "Quick Start" screen should appear on your current device. Tap the "Continue" button and use your current iPhone to scan the animation that appears on your new iPhone.
Step 2On your new iPhone, enter your current device's passcode. Follow the on-screen instructions to set up Face ID or Touch ID on your new iPhone.
Step 3When prompted, choose the "Transfer from iPhone" button. Keep the two devices close together and connected to power until the transfer is complete.
Step 4After the transfer, your new iPhone will restart. You will see your app icons on the home screen, and they will begin downloading from the App Store automatically. All the apps and data will be transfer from iPhone to new iPhone.
Method 2: Use iCloud Backup to Transfer Apps between iPhone
This is a classic method to transfer apps from iPhone to iPhone. It will create a backup of your old iPhone and then restore it to your new one. If you regularly back up to iCloud and may not have the old iPhone physically present, it’s an easy way to transfer apps between iPhones. You should prepare sufficient iCloud storage space for a full backup.
Step 1Go to the "Settings" app on your old iPhone. Then, tap [Your Name], and choose "iCloud". Under the "iCloud Backup", you can tap the "Back Up Now" button and wait for the process to complete.
Step 2Turn on your new iPhone and follow the setup assistant until you reach the "Apps & Data" screen. Then, select the "Restore from iCloud Backup" button.
Step 3Sign in to your iCloud account and choose the latest backup you just created. The setup will continue, and your new iPhone will restart. All the apps will be transfer to your new iPhone.
Method 3: Transfer Apps from iPhone to iPhone with iTunes
If you have a large amount of data that would take too long to back up to iCloud, this is a reliable alternative to transfer apps from iPhone to iPhone. If you prefer local backups or have slow internet connections, you can use iTunes to backup apps on Windows/Mac and start transferring. You can also transfer photos from iPhone to iPhone.
Step 1Connect your old iPhone to your computer and open the latest iTunes. Select your device and click the "Back Up Now" button to create a backup on computer.
Step 2Connect your new iPhone to the same computer. In iTunes, select your new device and click the "Restore Backup..." button. Choose the relevant backup file to transfer apps and data to your new iPhone.
Method 4: The Most Flexible Way to Transfer Apps between iPhone
While the methods above work well for a full device transfer, what if you only want to transfer data for a few specific apps without restoring an entire backup? You can try the professional 4Easysoft iPhone Transfer to transfer apps from iPhone to iPhone. Besides transferring, you can also use this iTunes alternative to manage and edit all data, including contacts, app data, videos, messages, and more. Get the seamless transfer with 100% safety now!
Transfer apps and app data from iPhone to iPhone within simple clicks.
Manage, edit, and delete all data on your old iPhone, including messages, media files, etc.
Able to preview the details of app data and choose the desired ones to transfer.
Support all iPhone models and iOS versions, including iPhone 17 and iOS 26.
100% Secure
100% Secure
Step 1Launch 4Easysoft iPhone Transfer and connect your old and new iPhones to the computer. For the first time connecting the iPhone to the computer, you should tap the "Trust" button to permit the connection.
Step 2In the left pane, you can choose the desired data to transfer from iPhone to iPhone. You can even click the data to preview the details. Tick the desired ones, and then click the "Export to Device" button.
Conclusion
Transferring apps and app data from iPhone to a new iPhone doesn't have to be complicated. For a straightforward, complete transfer during initial setup, Quick Start is unbeatable. However, if you need more control, or want to transfer data selectively, 4Easysoft iPhone Transfer provides the powerful and flexible solution you need. You can even manage and edit the data in detail.
100% Secure
100% Secure
