“Switch to Android” app on iOS now supports all phones with Android 12

Google announced today via a blog post that all Android 12 phones now have support for the iOS “Switch to Android” app, allowing users to seamlessly transfer data from their old iPhone to their new Android. Previously, this app only worked when moving to a Pixel phone, but now support has been expanded.

The much-awaited app first appeared on the Play Store in April with a somewhat delayed rollout. The app’s description promises to help you move your photos, videos, contacts, and calendar events to a new Android device without “fussy cables,” as well as promptly remind you to turn off iMessage and ask for the appropriate permissions to move the rest of your data. You can follow detailed instructions on the “Switch to Android” website.

Google also took this opportunity to emphasize that over a billion new Android phones were activated in the last year and highlight all the Android features that you will be able to enjoy once you move from iOS, such as:

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1. Messages app with RCS which has many of the features that iMessage currently has, only between Android devices. Gboard also adds to these features by providing Emoji reactions and thousands of Emoji mashup stickers.
2. Chat with Google Meet, or if you prefer FaceTime, you can still use that in the latest version of Chrome. Additionally, there’s apps like WhatsApp that allow you to chat with anyone in the world.
3. Use your favorite music streaming service, including Apple Music
4. All your favorite apps on the Google Play Store
5. A privacy-first approach with protection from bad apps, malware, phishing and spam. Additionally, Android offers timely recommendations to review location-sharing preferences.
6. A “Better Together” initiative that allows your Android device to work better with Chromebooks, Wear OS smartwatches, Google TV devices, and Fast Pair for supported headphones. However, some Apple devices, like AirPods, will work with your Android device.
7. Google Apps and services that allow you to access your data anywhere, such as Docs, Sheets, etc.
8. Nearby Share, which lets you easily share music, photos, and other files between your nearby Android and ChromeOS devices.
9. Android Widgets that give your Android’s home screen a unique look, as well as provide helpful features, such as the Google Maps’ real-time traffic predictions.
10. Technology that is useful for everyone, such as TalkBack and Live Transcribe.

It’s great to see the “Switch to Android” app expanding in scope, particularly when there are so many would-be fans of Samsung phones who could benefit from an app like this to facilitate their switch. Likewise, let’s hope this approach will entice iPhone users to switch, knowing they can do so without too much fuss.