Apple and Google's iPhone-Android switching update starts to roll out

A new build of Android has been released that will make it easier for Android and iPhone switching to take place in the future.

The current process for switching between Android and iPhone, or vice versa, is usually a tricky one with many steps and things to think about. However, both Apple and Google are working to make it easier for users to switch between platforms.

A post to Reddit, first spotted by 9to5Mac says that there is a new Android Canary build 2512 available for Google Pixel smartphones. While the text of the Reddit post doesn't specify features, the build does include switching capabilities.

The features are being made available as part of a collaboration between Apple and Google to make switching easier. The changes will include new options in the device setup process to handle the transfers.

While the Android Canary build, effectively a beta, has the features, the just-distributed iOS 26.2 release candidates don't have the same functionality. As beta operating systems, they are not advised to be installed on smartphones used by the general public.

It remains to be seen when the actual public versions containing the features on both sides will eventually be released. But, with iOS in its release candidate stage, that could be soon.

A lengthy rollout

While the appearance of the feature in an Android release seems sudden, it's something that has been around for a while already.

Back in May, code discovered in the Android QPR1 Beta 1 build showed that the Google SIM Manager app included language to help users transfer their eSIM from iPhone to Android. There was also mention of a new "Transfer to Android" section in the iOS Settings app.

At the time, it was presumed that an announcement would be made at WWDC for what was then believed to be iOS 19, now iOS 26.

The changes build upon existing data transfer tools and systems available from Apple and Google that handle switching duties. However, the eSIM isn't moved automatically at all, with it instead requiring interaction with their eSIM provider for that specific transfer.