I'm trying to restore an iOS backup from iTunes to a different device. The original was an iPhone XS running iOS 17. The current device is an 11 running iOS 26. It says that it will restore notes, contacts, messages and settings but not the firmware—what about my files and apps?
iPhone 11, iOS 26
The current device is an 11 running iOS 26.
Did you first reset the iPhone 11 back to Factory Default Settings?
How to factory reset your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support
Once you see the "hello" screen, you can proceed to set up the iPhone 11 again using the iTunes backup as follows:
Restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch from a backup - Apple Support
Apps are not part of the backup. The apps will be re-downloaded from the app store. As for "files", you need to be more specific.
I meant app data, items in the files app and photos. I've just seen another response about resetting the phone back to factory settings, so I might give that a try first.
Restoring Backup from iTunes (iOS 17)—Will It Restore My Files?
