Google’s updated migration tool takes the pain out of switching from iPhone to Android
Moving from an iPhone to an Android device has never been so smooth. Apple introduced some improvements with iOS 26.3, allowing users to transfer things like photos, messages, notes, contacts, passwords, and apps wirelessly. Google has now completely redesigned Android Switch, its migration tool, to make the process even more seamless for people making the jump from iOS to Android.
According to Paul Dunlop, who leads Google’s Onboarding, Settings and Android switching product, the company worked closely with Apple to improve the migration experience on Android 17 devices. This update introduces the first wireless transfer process, support for migrating multiple types of data, seamless Google Account and eSIM transfer, and new developer tools that can save application data when moving between platforms. Here are all the new features coming to Android Switch.
No cables, extra apps, or complicated setup
One of the biggest changes is the new wireless-first migration experience. Although Android Switch still supports wireless transfer, Google says that users no longer need special cables (such as a USB to Lightning cable) or adapters to move their data to the iPhone. The wireless process now offers the same performance as wired transmission.
The company has also integrated Android Switch directly into the setup process for both Android and iOS. Users no longer have to install separate migration apps or work through additional consent requests before transferring their data.
Another new addition is direct Google Account migration. Users can transfer their Google Account from iPhone to a new Android device and sign in automatically during setup. Android Switch can also transfer eSIM information for supported carriers. Background images, home screen layouts, app placement, and accessibility settings can also be carried over.
Messages, passwords, and app data are now available again
The list of supported data types has grown significantly, now allowing passwords, passkeys, Wi-Fi credentials, alarms, call history, files and folders, calendar attachments, encrypted RCS messages, and Apple Notes attachments and labels to go intact.
The company also improved messaging. SMS, MMS, RCS, and iMessage conversations can all be migrated, including large group chats, stickers, reactions, and chat threads.
Google says it has also worked with Apple on new migration APIs that allow developers to preserve in-app data when users switch platforms. If supported, users can continue where they left off instead of starting from the beginning after reinstalling the software on Android.
This feature is currently available on a small percentage of Android 17 devices, with a wider release planned in the coming weeks and months. If Google’s claims hold up in real-world use, it could make switching from iPhone to Android much easier than ever.
