During the May Android Show, Google unveiled an improved version of its iOS migration tool, available with Android 17. This novelty is already available with the new Galaxy foldable smartphones, freshly launched with One UI 9, a version based on the latest incarnation of Google’s Android OS.
Switching smartphones often means facing the fear of losing important data or having to reconfigure everything from scratch: the new feature simplifies the operation and enables transferring data from an iPhone to a Samsung Galaxy device in a completely wireless mode, without installing additional apps and with a considerably quicker procedure than in the past.
Debut on the new Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Flip 8: how the new Android 17 data migration tool works
As anticipated at the outset, the updated migration tool is available on the new Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8, Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra and Galaxy Z Flip 8.
Thanks to native integration in Android 17, data transfer occurs directly during the initial setup of the device, without the need to download external software.
The new procedure greatly expands the amount of data that can be imported. In addition to photos, videos, contacts and calendars, Android 17 also allows migrating:
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The aim is to let users arrive at their already-configured usage environment from the very first boot of the new smartphone.
Transfer of iMessage, WhatsApp, and eSIM as well
Google has also worked on aspects that traditionally made switching from iPhone more difficult. The new tool supports migrating the history of iMessage, voice memos and WhatsApp conversations, avoiding chat loss during the device swap.
It is also possible to transfer eSIMs, further simplifying the move to the new smartphone without needing additional procedures.
Coming to other Android 17 devices as well
After debut on the new Samsung foldables, Google has confirmed the rollout of the new feature for the Pixel 8, Pixel 9 and Pixel 10 series equipped with Android 17.
Currently, however, the Pixel 6 and Pixel 7 devices will not receive the migration tool update.
Over the coming months, support will be extended to a growing number of compatible Android devices, but for now the latest Galaxy foldables inaugurate this new experience designed to make switching from iPhone to Android easier and more immediate.
