This week, Apple released iOS 18.4 with a great under-the-radar feature. Technically, it’s a feature of macOS 15.4, but if you also have an iPhone running iOS 18.4, you can now use your iPhone to set up a new Mac.
The requirements are pretty simple. You need a Mac using macOS Sequoia 15.4 or later that starts up to the Mac Setup Assistant and a nearby iPhone or iPad using iOS or iPadOS 18.4 or later that has already been set up. You’ll also need to be sure Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are turned on for both devices.
Listen, I get that this might not seem like much, but it’s honestly up there with some of the best macOS features ever. I think you can argue that anything that makes it easier to get started using a new device is a good thing. Apple makes it incredibly easy to set up a Mac, especially compared with Windows. One of the most frustratingly hilarious videos I’ve watched recently is someone setting up both a new MacBook Air and a Windows Surface Laptop.
If you’re setting up a new Mac and transferring all of your old information, it has been a pretty easy process using Migration Assistant for years. There are, however, a lot of people who may not have a Mac but do have an iPhone.
In fact, there are far more people who have iPhones and probably a lot of people who have iPads who have never had a Mac. Now, setting one up for the first time will be easier. That makes switching to a MacBook Air from a Chromebook, for example, a more viable option. The easier Apple makes it to buy and set up your first Mac, the better it is for Apple’s business.
MacDailyNews Take: Setting up your new Mac is easier than ever if you have an iPhone or iPad. Simply bring your iPhone or iPad (with iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4, or later) close to your Mac (with macOS Sequoia 15.4 or later) to quickly sign in to your Apple Account and get started. More info here.
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