Apple has always had a knack for turning what should be boring tech tasks into smooth, even delightful experiences.
But with iOS 18.4 and macOS Sequoia 15.4, they’ve quietly made setting up a new computer, one of the most frustrating parts, surprisingly satisfying.
If your iPhone or iPad is running iOS or iPadOS 18.4, and your new Mac is updated to the latest Sequoia, you can now set up your Mac with your iPhone. You don’t need any cords, no digging through passwords, no “what’s my Wi-Fi again?” headaches.
I was ready to go through the usual 20-minute setup dance when I unboxed a new MacBook Air this week.
But this time, I held my iPhone near the Mac as it booted up—and a notification popped up asking if I wanted to “Set Up New Mac.”
I tapped Continue, scanned the glowing blue orb on my Mac’s screen, and just like that, everything kicked into motion.
It pulled in my Apple ID, Wi-Fi credentials, accessibility preferences, dark mode, and icon size settings—all of it—instantly synced.
I didn’t touch the keyboard until it asked me to create my local user account. The rest felt like watching the Mac build itself.
Also: If you’re obsessed with iPhone photography, iOS 18.4 just made your life easier
And yes, it works on all modern Macs, desktops, and laptops, as long as you’re up to date. It’s not flashy, and Apple didn’t make a huge deal about it at launch, but it’s peak Apple: invisible tech that just works.
For longtime Apple fans, this is one of those little updates that reminds you why the ecosystem matters.
It’s not just about syncing messages or sharing AirDrop, it’s about creating a seamless flow between devices that makes life easier.
If you’re planning a Mac upgrade (or tend to reset machines often), do yourself a favor and make sure your iPhone is updated to the latest iOS version.
