Google makes it even easier to ditch your iPhone and switch to Android

If the only thing stopping you from ditching your iPhone 17 for a Galaxy S26 or a Pixel 10 was the poor data transfer experience, Android 17 may have a solution for your problem. Google’s latest OS is coming with a massive update to the Android Switch tool, which can now copy much more data between devices.

Switching to Android is now easier than ever

Google announced that the new version of its Android Switch tool is now rolling out for Android 17. Google’s Product Lead for Onboarding, Settings and Switching on Android, Paul Dunlop, highlighted the new features in a Twitter thread. He said the rollout has started for a small percentage of devices, but it will expand over the coming weeks and months.

A key part of the new tool is that it’s built directly into the core of Android and iOS and works without downloading standalone apps or granting complex permissions. It was built as a wireless-first experience working without cables, though it still supports wired transfers.

Probably the most noticeable change is that it can now transfer much more data, including passwords, passkeys, WiFi credentials, and alarms. The tool can also transfer all types of messages, including group conversations and iMessage chats with all the reactions, stickers, and threads.

Focused on the details

Dunlop highlights that Google’s teams were focused on supporting specific data, which it deems essential in daily use. Alongside the wallpaper, home screen layout, and app placement, the tool also transfers key accessibility settings and the following specific data:

• Files and folders
• Calendar attachments
• Call history
• Encrypted RCS messages
• Apple Notes attachments and labels

The deep integration is made obvious by the option to directly move and log in to a Google Account from an iPhone to an Android device. If you use eSIM on your iPhone, it will be transferred automatically, without any manual steps, and Google says it’s working to expand this option to more carriers across the globe.

Developed with Apple

Unlike the AirDrop over Quick Share support, which Google launched on its own last year, this tool was developed in partnership with Apple. The two companies built new APIs for developers, which allow them to integrate cross-platform migration into their apps. If an app has these tools enabled, you’ll get not just the app on your new phone, but all the in-app data as well.

Despite Google making the loud announcement, the tool works both ways. Apple already has a support page on its website, which says that “if you have a supported Android device that runs a compatible version of Android 17, you can transfer to iOS or iPadOS without the Move to iOS app.”

While Google’s Paul Dunlop says he’s “incredibly proud” with the updated tool, it’s very likely that new Apple users will enjoy it more. A recent SellCell survey among iPhone and Android users in the US discovered that Apple enjoys a much higher brand loyalty than its peers.

According to the data, iPhone loyalty shot up from the already impressive 91.9% in 2021 to a staggering 96.4% in 2026. That means only 3.6% — or about 1 of every 25 — of iPhone owners are likely to switch to an Android.



In comparison, the 86.4% average brand loyalty among Android users appears disturbing. That means 13.6% of Google’s software users are considering switching to an iPhone the next time they make a purchase.

Hopefully, the new tool will also make switching between Android phones from different brands more seamless than it is now.

What’s with the slow rollout, Google

I understand that the update is part of Android 17, but I’m still annoyed it will probably take years for it to cover a meaningful part of the active Android devices. Meanwhile, Apple seems to already support the feature, which could be one more reason for people to choose switching to an iPhone.

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