iOS 13 beta hints at new iPhone-to-iPhone wired data transfer feature
Apple released its third developer beta of iOS 13 on Tuesday, and within the release a new graphic has been uncovered that hints at a possible new iPhone-to-iPhone wired data transfer feature.
Discovered by 9to5Mac.com, the newly released beta includes new assets in the Setup app – which runs when you set up a new device for the first time or after a reset, which suggests Apple is working on a new way to transfer data between devices.
Currently, the setup process of a new iOS device involves downloading and installing a backup from either iTunes or iCloud. Alternatively, for devices running iOS 11 or later, users can use the Quick Start feature to wirelessly transfer data from an old device to a new device, similar to the setup process for Apple Watch.
Code within the beta states “Keep your other iPhone connected to this iPhone and connected to power until the transfer is complete.”
Apple doesn’t offer a Lightning-to-Lightning cable, so for the company to achieve this they would either need to release a new accessory, or potentially if the new 2019 iPhone models swap the Lightning connector in favour of USB-C, users could perform the data transfer via Apple’s current $19 USB-C to Lightning cable.