Switching From iPhone to Android Just Got Easier With Android 17 - MacRumors
Skip to Content

Switching From iPhone to Android Just Got Easier With Android 17

Android 17 includes a wireless native migration experience for transferring more types of data from an iPhone, making the process of switching to an Android device easier.

android switching tool
Google says the upgraded method allows Google Accounts, passwords, Wi-Fi credentials, and eSIMs to be transferred. It also supports photos, videos, contacts, messages, and calendars, like the prior version of the switching tool. Data transfers require an iPhone with iOS 26.3 or later.

Both Apple and Google had to implement iPhone and Android transfer tools that work without an app to comply with the European Union's Digital Markets Act. When you set up a new Android smartphone or iPhone, there are now simple built-in options to transfer data from a competing platform. Before the on-device transfer options, Google and Apple offered apps for moving data.

The Digital Markets Act requires services to offer data portability to prevent lock-in to an operating system. It also forced Apple and Google to implement a simplified eSIM transfer process.

Android 17 with the new data transfer method has been rolling out to select Pixel devices since June and will also come to Samsung's newly announced Galaxy Z Flip8 and Z Fold8 smartphones.

Popular Stories

Chrome Feature 22

Google Chrome's Gemini AI Features Roll Out to UK Users

Tuesday July 14, 2026 2:32 am PDT by
Google has announced the rollout of Chrome's latest AI features to Mac and PC users in the U.K., indicated by a new "Ask Gemini" button with a sparkle icon in the upper right side of the browser. Gemini in Chrome can work across multiple tabs, which is supposed to make it useful for comparing and summarizing information from several websites at once. It also integrates with Google...
Google Logo Feature Slack

Google and Epic Abandon Injunction Modification Request, Clearing the Way for Rival Android App Stores

Wednesday July 15, 2026 5:02 pm PDT by
Google and Epic Games this week withdrew their joint motion to modify an injunction requiring Google to support third-party app stores in Google Play. The two companies abandoned the request after it became clear the court was unlikely to allow it. Google is now bound by a permanent injunction issued in October 2024 requiring it to allow alternative app stores on Android devices. In a court...
google search connected apps 1

Google Search Now Connects to Instacart, Canva and YouTube Music

Thursday July 16, 2026 1:06 pm PDT by
Google is expanding AI Mode in Search, allowing users to connect apps to improve search results and "get more done." Instacart, YouTube Music, and Canva can be connected, and Google explains how the integrations can be useful: Instacart - If you're using AI Mode to help you plan a grocery list, ingredients can be added right to an Instacart shopping cart for quick ordering. Canva -...

Top Rated Comments

capamac Avatar
3 weeks ago
It's a consumer-friendly move by EU regulators.

Making it easier to switch will increase competition amongst cell makers, leading to better value to consumers.

It breaks down a barrier that deters some people from switching.

It'll force phone makers to stay on their toes.
Score: 22 Votes (Like | Disagree)
JTK Awesome Avatar
3 weeks ago
I never thought I'd say this in 1E06 years but I'm increasingly considering a switch. Apple just feels like a mess more and more, especially the latest release iterations of their OS'. What is effectively lock-in with accessories like wireless headphones is too much.

Now that we have a Google store nearby I will have to find out more.
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
turbineseaplane Avatar
3 weeks ago

The Digital Markets Act requires services to offer data portability to prevent lock-in to an operating system. It also forced Apple and Google to implement a simplified eSIM transfer process ('https://www.macrumors.com/2025/06/13/ios-26-esim-android/').
Whether one wants to use iOS or Android or is considering switching either way, these are great requirements to have.

Consumers win here.
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
3 weeks ago
How about no
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
3 weeks ago
Not sure on how many users switch OS but it is good to have an easier and smoother process. Glad to see that eSIM transfer is simpler now.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Moriakum Avatar
3 weeks ago

I never thought I'd say this in 1E06 years but I'm increasingly considering a switch. Apple just feels like a mess more and more, especially the latest release iterations of their OS'. What is effectively lock-in with accessories like wireless headphones is too much.

Now that we have a Google store nearby I will have to find out more.
I'm thinking the same thing. As a European, I'm sick of seeing that Apple only cares about the North American market and couldn't care less about the rest of the world. Here, I still don't have iPhone mirroring, I won't have Siri AI, etc.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)