So I finally was able to find a local Apple store that had in stock, a 256GB model that was unlocked. Helpful Apple staff at the Menlo Park Mall store explained that stock was low for this model all over, but that the 512GB and 1TB models were plenty. Also, getting one unlocked was rare too, as most stock was for carrier models (ATT/tMobile/VZW). Thus explaining the reason I couldn’t find an unlocked, 256GB model.

I took the phone home and did the upgrade/transfer without Apple support. I had a backup but the transfer of putting new next to old worked well with ONE BIG CAVEAT: your MFA apps like Google Auth, Duo, MS and Y Auth, do NOT carry your settings over! I am so glad I had my old phone and DID NOT WIPE to get all my accounts reconfigured. I think I should have just did a restore from my iTunes encrypted backup. However I don’t know how that would go from a iOS 15 version to the iOS 26 if so on the new iPhone.

Quick Summary: its much snappier with Carplay, but issues now point to my Mazda infotainment than the phone. Magsafe charging and phone holder is much better than previous None on my SE. Its wider than the SE and thus my jeans side pockets have some issue with fit (so far just the one pair). Fit my 5.11 pants fine on side or front pocket. Camera is wonky to get focus on close versus far objects – macro kicks in too slow. I don’t mind the blue but with a case, its moot. I keep hitting the mic button on texting… Apple’s keyboard in Messages is still subpar.

Why do my songs STILL have artwork issues? I’ve tried a web suggestion to delete all art and restore but somehow some artists albums get wrong art from Apple?

To be continued in a few months…