Before You Install iOS 26 or Set Up an iPhone 17, Back Up Your Data the Right Way

Are you updating to a new iPhone 17, iPhone Air or iPhone 17 Pro this week? Or perhaps taking the plunge and moving to iOS 26 on your existing iPhone? Apple has made the process much easier than in the past, but I always take a cautious approach that preserves my data — including encrypted sensitive data — and lets me fall back safely on the off chance something goes wrong. If you are setting up a new iPhone, be sure to check out the best ways to do it.

I’m not talking about any regular…