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Switching between iPhone and Android devices has long been one of those tasks that required more time and patience than many would have liked. Different systems, limited transfer capabilities, and technical glitches often led to incomplete migrations. Now, Apple and Google have jointly developed new features designed to significantly simplify this process. The EU sees this as a clear indication that the Digital Markets Act is having an effect.
The European Commission has been pursuing the goal of breaking down closed platform structures and improving data portability for years. The Data Transfer Authority (DMA) obligates large platform operators like Apple and Google to enable users to transfer data in a truly complete and simple way. The new collaboration between the two companies fits perfectly into this picture. Even though the EU is claiming credit for this advancement, the new features will be available worldwide.
New joint switching features from Apple and Google
Apple and Google have confirmed they are collaborating on enhanced tools designed to make switching between iPhones and Android devices faster and more reliable. The new solution supports significantly more data types than before, including contacts, calendar events, messages, photos, documents, Wi-Fi networks, passwords, and even data from third-party apps. The transfer is wireless and designed to handle the complete migration of a device. Previous tools were limited in scope and reliability, and this new solution aims to improve upon those limitations.
EU assessment: Success of the Digital Markets Act
A spokesperson for the European Commission described the new data portability features as an example of how the DMA benefits users and developers (via 9to5mac). The DMA mandates that services like iOS and Android must ensure effective data portability. It was precisely these requirements that spurred the new developments. Although the DMA is considered the catalyst, the features are not limited to the EU. They will be available globally once officially rolled out.
Continuation of eSIM simplification
The new solution builds on the joint eSIM transfer that Apple and Google introduced in October. This solution significantly simplified the previously often cumbersome and time-consuming process of transferring eSIMs between iPhones and Android devices. The feature is available both within the EU and internationally. Several European network operators already support it, and more are expected to follow soon.
In its DMA compliance reports from March 2024 and March 2025, Apple points out that both projects are the result of extensive technical work and close collaboration with Google. According to the EU, the solutions also emerged from intensive discussions with the Commission over a two-year period.
Timeline for the introduction
The new switching features will initially appear in a new Android Canary version for Pixel devices, which is being rolled out this week. On the Apple side, the features are expected to be available in an upcoming developer beta of iOS 26. Further details regarding the iOS component have not yet been released. Therefore, to test the tools in practice, the release of the iOS beta must be awaited.
Advantages for app developers
The European Commission emphasizes that not only users benefit from the changes. Third-party apps also gain advantages because they can now more easily transfer user data when someone switches between iPhone and Android. This makes it easier for apps to retain users long-term without data loss or the need for tedious account reconfiguration.
Apple & Google: New standard for switching between iPhone and Android
The joint measures taken by Apple and Google demonstrate that the Digital Markets Act is initiating tangible changes. A significantly simplified switch between iPhone and Android strengthens control over personal data and reduces technical hurdles that were long considered insurmountable. At the same time, app developers benefit from more stable migration processes. Once iOS 26 and the new Android Canary version are available, it will become clear how smoothly the data transfer works in practice. (Image: Vector.Plus / DepositPhotos.com)
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