Switching from an iPhone to Android has traditionally meant leaving a chunk of your data behind. That's changing with an upgraded version of Android Switch, arriving as part of Android 17, according to a detailed breakdown shared by Google's Community Engagement Manager, Mishaal Rahman, on Reddit.
Rahman explains that Google worked directly with Apple to build the new iOS-to-Android transfer process from scratch. The experience is now baked into the core of both platforms without needing a separate app or extra permissions.
For the uninitiated, Android Switch is Google's built-in tool for moving photos, contacts, and other personal data over to a new phone or tablet during setup. Previously, wireless transfers in particular skipped over alarms, apps, call history, and files, forcing switchers to rebuild much of their setup manually.
Now, with this Android Switch upgrade, both wired and wireless transfers now carry over the exact same data.
The upgraded experience adds support for your Google Account, eSIM profile, passwords and passkeys, Wi-Fi credentials and encrypted RCS messages. It also brings support for call history, note attachments and labels, one-time passwords and third-party app data via new APIs. Meanwhile, photo albums are listed as "coming soon."
Image Credit: Reddit/ @Mishaal Rahman
Image Credit: Reddit/ @Mishaal Rahman
The new Android Switch experience is a part of Android 17 and has begun rolling out on the Google Pixel 8 and newer Pixel phones.
It's also live via Samsung Smart Switch on the newly launched Galaxy Z Fold 8, Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra and Galaxy Z Flip 8, with support for more phones expected soon.
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