Summary created by Smart Answers AI
In summary:
- Tech Advisor reports Android 17 will introduce enhanced iPhone compatibility through improved Quick Share functionality and streamlined device switching capabilities.
- The update enables AirDrop-like file sharing between Android devices and iPhones via QR codes, initially rolling out to Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel phones.
- iPhone-to-Android migration becomes more comprehensive with support for eSIM transfers, passwords, photos, and home screen layouts through Google-Apple collaboration.
It will soon be way easier to make the switch from iPhone to Android, courtesy of Android 17.
Google held its special I/O edition of The Android Show this week, previewing a bunch of Android 17 features ahead of its big developer conference.
As always with these things, a few interesting elements have fallen through the cracks. One of those is Android 17’s improved platform-switching facility.
In a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it mention, Google announced that it had worked with Apple to overhaul the iOS to Android transfer process. Currently, it works to bring the essentials across when setting up a new Android phone, but it’s far from comprehensive.
From Android 17, far more data types will be included. Google reeled off a quick list that included passwords, photos, contacts, messages, favourite apps, and even your Home Screen layout – all pulled from your previously reticent iPhone to your shiny new Android phone.
We also spotted the mention of accessibility settings, making the switch in the accompanying image. Google says that the process will work with eSIM transfers, too.
The feature will initially roll out to Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel phones, “coming later this year”.
Presumably, this means that we can expect to see it arriving first on the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Galaxy Z Flip 8 in July, followed by the Google Pixel 11 series in August.
AirDrop is spreading its wings
In the spirit of sharing between the world’s two biggest (only?) mobile platforms, Google also used its event to confirm that it was bringing AirDrop compatibility to more Android devices beyond its own Pixel range.
Starting with the Google Pixel 10, it’s been possible to share files locally and wirelessly with iPhones, with Apple’s AirDrop protocol being integrated into Android’s Quick Share.
Google name drops a number of third-party Android manufacturers that will be gaining this ability later this year: Samsung, Oppo, OnePlus, Vivo, Xiaomi and Honor. Here’s the list (not including aleady supported devices):
- Samsung Galaxy S25 series
- Samsung Galaxy S24 series
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6
- Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold
- Oppo Find X8 series
- OnePlus 15
- Honor Magic V6
- Honor Magic 8 pro
Even if you don’t have a phone that receives this AirDrop upgrade, it’s now possible to generate a QR code through Quick Share, which will then let you instantly share with iOS devices via the cloud. This latter feature has already commenced rolling out to all Android phones.
