To avoid the AirTags bug, Can I transfer settings to a new iPhone without upgrading old to iOS 15?

[MareLuce]

To avoid the disappearing AirTags bug in iOS 15, can I transfer settings to my new iPhone
without upgrading my old to iOS 15 first?

Will the new iPhones arrive with iOS 15 installed?

( I have a bunch of AirTags... Would really prefer to not have to rediscover them. Especially the one in a wall. )

 

[MareLuce]

Anyone?

I think the answer to my question is 1) No 2) Yes
But am not sure

 

[olewski]

The best way to avoid it would be to back up your old phone using Finder on a Mac or iTunes on a PC or old Mac and restoring from that on your new phone. Update to iOS 15 on the new device first

 

[gwhizkids]

Your new phone will 100% show up with iOS 15.