Help: how to update SE (2016) 16GB to iOs 15 to transfer to new 13 mini? My mum needs help

[AppleMango]

Hi guys,

we just got our mum a new iPhone 13mini in pink. She's been using a 1st Gen SE (2016) with 16GB.

I've updated the 13mini to 15.0.2.
The SE is running 14.8.

I couldn't do over the air-updates because of storage problems, so I usually created a backup on the PC and then updated via iTunes.

My plan was: SE backup -> SE update 15.0.2 -> 13mini restore from backup.

Problem: In order to use iTunes it asks me to get the newest version. If I search for an update, it says it's the newest version: 12.10.11.
It's a Windows 8-Laptop, 64bit and 10 years old I think.

So I'm kind of stuck here.

How can I help my mum? I'm also not the best expert at Apple (as you can tell).


Many thanks for your help!

 

[zorinlynx]

You shouldn't have to do this. You should be able to set up the iPhone 13 as new and then transfer directly over the air the data from the SE to the iPhone 13. iOS 14 supports this; there's no need for an iOS 15 update on the SE.

If you already set up the new iPhone 13, first do an Erase all content and settings on it, then when setting it up have the SE nearby. There should be a notification that pops up that lets you transfer configuration and data directly over WiFi from the SE to the iPhone 13.

 

[AppleMango]

Wow, I wasn't aware of that. I always thought the devices have to match each other in regards to the iOS version... I feel dumb.

So that includes whatsapp chats and photos, iMessage and all that stuff? (iCloud is turned on for everything).

 

[Taz Mangus]

I did a iPhone to iPhone transfer from my iPhone 6S+ running iOS 14.8 to my iPhone 13 Pro Max. No issue and it was quick and easy. The apps will get re-downloaded again from the App Store.