Apple isn’t exactly known for making it easy to leave the iPhone behind, but with iOS 26.3, that’s finally changing. The latest update introduces a built-in transfer tool that lets you move your data from an iPhone to an Android phone without downloading a third-party app.

If you’re planning the switch, here’s how the new process works.

What You Can Transfer From iPhone to Android

Using the new iOS 26.3 transfer tool, you can wirelessly move most of your essential data, including:

  • Photos and videos
  • Messages
  • Notes
  • Apps
  • Passwords
  • Phone number and basic account data

The transfer happens directly between devices, making it significantly simpler than older methods that relied on external apps or manual backups. Fun fact: The EU claims its DMA is to be credited for this consumer firendly development.

That said, not everything makes the jump. Health data, Bluetooth-paired devices, and protected items like locked notes are excluded from the transfer.

What You’ll Need Before You Start

Before beginning the transfer, make sure:

  • Your iPhone is running iOS 26.3 or later
  • Your Android phone is updated to the latest available software
  • Both devices are connected to Wi-Fi
  • Bluetooth is enabled on both phones

How to Transfer Data From iPhone to Android

  1. Open Settings on your iPhone
  2. Go to General
  3. Tap Transfer or Reset iPhone
  4. Select Transfer to Android

From here, Apple gives you two ways to connect the devices:

  • QR Code Method: A QR code appears on the Android phone, which you scan using your iPhone
  • Manual Pairing: Use a session ID and pairing code to link both devices

Once connected, you’ll be prompted to choose what data you want to move. The transfer then happens wirelessly between the two phones.

Not Just a One-Way Feature

Interestingly, this isn’t just Apple playing nice. Google has implemented a similar system for moving data from Android to iPhone, making this a two-way process between platforms.

The feature was developed in part to comply with the EU’s Digital Markets Act, but it isn’t limited to Europe. Apple has made the new transfer option available worldwide in the iOS 26.3 beta.

If you’ve been thinking about switching from iPhone to Android, iOS 26.3 removes one of the biggest friction points. The process is faster, built-in, and far less annoying than previous solutions.

For once, Apple is making the exit door a little easier to find.

Categorized in:

Android, Apple, Google, iPhone, Tips & Tricks,

Last Update: December 15, 2025

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