Apple's latest update has come with a change that a few years ago would have seemed like science fiction: Switching from an iPhone to an Android without using external apps or complicated cablesWith iOS 26.3, the company finally introduces its own tool to move a large portion of the phone's content to a device running Google's operating system.
This turn of events is not accidental. Pressure from the European Union and its new regulations on digital markets This has prompted Apple to further open its ecosystem and make it easier for any user to switch platforms without feeling trapped. The result is an option called "Transfer to Android" integrated directly into iOS settings, accompanied by a good number of security patches and minor privacy tweaks.
What exactly is the new "Transfer to Android" feature in iOS 26.3?
With iOS 26.3, Apple incorporates into its mobile systems a Native tool to migrate data from iPhone or iPad to an Android devicewithout needing to download anything additional. This feature is designed as the reverse of Google's well-known "Move to iOS" app, which has allowed switching in the opposite direction for years.
The new option is located in Settings > General > Transfer or reset iPhonewhere the "Transfer to Android" section now appears. From there, a step-by-step wizard guides the user through linking both devices, choosing what content to transfer, and verifying that the connection remains stable throughout the process.
The system is designed so that even someone who is not very tech-savvy can use it without complications. It only requires that both devices are close together, with WiFi and Bluetooth enabled., and that the Android displays a QR code on the screen that will be scanned by the iPhone to establish the direct connection.
This tool was developed, as the company itself acknowledges in its support documentation, following the European Commission approval by the end of the year and within the framework of the Digital Markets Law, which obliges large technology companies to facilitate interoperability between platforms.
How to transfer data from iPhone to Android step by step
Migration can be initiated in two main ways, designed for different times. The first one, during the initial setup of the new AndroidThe second option is to do this at any time from the already configured iPhone by entering the system settings.
If booting from Android, when it is turned on for the first time or after a reset, the startup assistant will show the option to import data from an iPhoneWhen selected, the Android terminal generates a QR code on the screen which will be the starting point of the connection between both devices.
On the iPhone, the user must go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Transfer to Android and follow the prompts. After accepting the warnings, a camera viewfinder opens to scan the QR code. From there, The two devices connect directly via the wireless network and the content selection phase begins.
If the transfer is initiated from the iPhone settings, the process is basically the same: select the transfer option, place the iPhone next to the Android, scan the QR code displayed, and wait for it to complete. The data copy is completed without interruption.Apple recommends keeping both devices charged and connected to a good WiFi network, especially if migrating large photo and video libraries.
The duration depends on the volume of data. A gallery of tens of gigabytes can easily take more than half an hour, while a light transfer (mainly contacts and messages) is completed in a few minutes. At all times, the device-to-device transfer, without going through external servers
What type of data can be transferred to Android with iOS 26.3
The list of information that this system is capable of moving is quite extensive and covers most common needs. Content that can be transferred includes photos, videos, contacts and SMS and MMS messagescall history and even the eSIM in countries and operators where this function is supported.
The images and video clips are copied with your Original quality, without additional compressionContacts are imported to Android with all their fields: names, phone numbers, emails, addresses, and associated notes. Personal calendars are also imported, including both past and scheduled events, although some shared third-party subscriptions are excluded.
In addition, the system replicates certain adjustments that affect daily life, such as The configured alarms are part of the home screen layout. or the wallpaper, to the extent that the Android launcher allows it. Many accessibility settings, such as font size and contrast preferences, are also migrated so that the user finds the new phone as familiar as possible.
Regarding applications, the tool generates a List of apps installed on the iPhone that have an Android versionThe new device attempts to download apps from Google Play or the corresponding app store, so the user doesn't have to search for them one by one. For cloud services like music or video platforms, simply logging in is enough to retrieve playlists and settings.
One of the most striking points, especially in Europe, is the possibility of migrate the eSIM associated with the phone numberIf the carrier allows it, the system guides the user to switch the line from iPhone to Android by scanning a code, immediately deactivating the service on the old device and activating it on the new one.
What cannot be transferred (at least for now)
Not all iPhone content is transferred during this process. The data stored in the Health app remains within the Apple ecosystem.There is no official way to send them to Google Fit, Samsung Health, or other similar services through this feature. Activity history, heart rate, sleep, and medical records remain on the device or in iCloud.
They are also left out the cards and passes stored in Apple WalletApple Pay payment methods, boarding passes, tickets, or digital IDs are not copied for security reasons. Each card must be manually added to Google Wallet, Samsung Wallet, or the corresponding app on the new device.
Another sensitive area is conversations. Messages sent via iMessage are not transferredOnly traditional SMS and MMS messages, which have an equivalent on Android, are exported. Everything that appears with blue bubbles on the iPhone remains under Apple's control and is not exported using this method.
The Internal data from many applications doesn't always travel either.If the app has an Android version and uses cloud syncing, simply logging back in will usually suffice. However, games without an associated account or tools that only save local information on iOS may lose their custom settings, downloaded files, or progress, unless the developer offers their own backup system.
Nor are they transferred paired Bluetooth accessories or iCloud Keychain passwordsAirPods or speakers will need to be paired with the Android device again, and in some cases, advanced features only available on iOS will be lost. For passwords, Apple recommends manually exporting them from Keychain Access, for example, to a compatible file, and importing them into the password manager you'll be using on the new device.
In the realm of the connected home, HomeKit configurations and devices only compatible with Apple's standard They are not part of the migration. If those gadgets also support the Google ecosystem or others, they will have to be added from scratch in the corresponding apps on the Android side.
Requirements and compatibility: which mobile phones can use the feature
The "Transfer to Android" option is Available on all iPhones that can install iOS 26.3Apple sets the cutoff at iPhone 11 and later models, while for tablets compatibility covers the 12,9-inch iPad Pro from the third generation, the 11-inch iPad Pro from the first generation, the third-generation iPad Air and later, the eighth-generation iPad and the fifth-generation iPad mini.
On the Android side, the terminal needs to run a version of the system compatible with the transfer mechanism which Google and major manufacturers have implemented. Brands like Samsung, Xiaomi, OnePlus, and other large European players already offer support on many of their recent models, although it's always a good idea to check on the manufacturer's website or in the setup wizard.
In addition, both devices must meet basic conditions: WiFi connection available, Bluetooth enabled and sufficient batteryFor large volumes of data, it is recommended to keep both phones connected to the charger to prevent the process from being interrupted midway.
The most delicate part comes with the eSIM transferThis depends entirely on each operator's policies. In Spain, the main companies (Movistar, Orange, Vodafone, among others) have begun to enable data transfer between devices, although the details vary: in some cases it's a free process, while in others there are fees or additional requirements.
Apple emphasizes that the feature is available globallynot only in Europe, although a large part of its existence responds to the legal obligation to facilitate data portability imposed by EU regulations.
The role of the European Union and interoperability between platforms
The new feature in iOS 26.3 cannot be understood without the regulatory context. European Union Digital Markets Act (DMA) It obliges major platforms not to place unjustified obstacles in the way of those who want to switch services or ecosystems. Among other things, it requires that users be able to transfer essential information from one environment to another without too many technical complications.
The European Commission oversaw the development of this functionality and gave its approval in December, which has allowed it to The tool will reach users as part of iOS 26.3For EU institutions, these kinds of advances are key to reducing the risk of a single provider concentrating too much power over personal data.
Beyond the political impact, the measure has a clear practical consequence: Switching from iPhone to Android in Spain or any European country It's now considerably less cumbersome. Although gaps and limitations still exist, the average user is no longer forced to handle cables, partial copies, or applications of dubious origin to move their important data.
This more open approach fits in with other recent changes, such as the possibility of using payment methods alternative to Apple Pay In certain circumstances, the push for encrypted RCS in the Messages app and the improved compatibility with third-party accessories and wearables being rolled out in the European market.
Security and other new features coming with iOS 26.3
The update that introduces the port to Android isn't limited to that feature. Apple has incorporated 37 security fixes in iOS and iPadOS 26.3, many of them considered to have a medium or low impact, but with one particularly delicate case related to the system's dynamic linker, known as dyld.
The company acknowledges that there was a vulnerability that, under certain conditions, could allow the execution of arbitrary code if the attacker managed to write to certain memory areas. According to reports received by Apple, this vulnerability could have been used in an "extremely sophisticated" attack against versions prior to iOS 26.
For this reason, the company urges users with compatible devices to update as soon as possible, especially in environments where mobile phones are used for sensitive data management, online banking, or corporate communicationsIn the case of Spain and the rest of Europe, where professional smartphone use is widespread, the message is clear: it is advisable to install iOS 26.3 as soon as it becomes available in the update menu.
In addition to security, the system incorporates Location privacy improvements for some models with newer modemsOn these devices, mobile operators receive a less precise location of the user, without affecting the functionality of apps, emergency services, or tools like "Find Me." This setting is designed to reduce unnecessary tracking by third parties.
The privacy of messaging is also strengthened. Enable end-to-end encryption on RCS messagesProvided that the operators support it. This technology, which aims to be the evolution of traditional SMS, thus gains an additional layer of protection against potential interceptions.
Improvements to accessories, wearables, and minor interface changes
Alongside the major headline of interoperability with Android, iOS 26.3 introduces a number of minor adjustments that affect the daily use of accessories. Of particular note is the optimization of pairing with third-party headphoneswhich can now be paired simply by bringing the case close to the iPhone, similar to the experience offered by AirPods.
In the European market, the compatibility with smartwatches and other non-Apple wearablesThis allows users to receive more comprehensive notifications and, in some cases, interact with them. Some of these features remain in the testing phase and haven't yet made it into the final version, but they point to a somewhat less closed ecosystem around the Apple Watch.
The update also includes Minor adjustments to screen customizationThe wallpaper menu now more clearly separates the Weather and Astronomy categories, something that may seem anecdotal but that many analysts interpret as a preliminary step towards broader changes in interface customization in future versions of iOS.
In parallel, Apple continues to test additional interoperability-related features, such as the possibility of forward notifications to third-party watches and reply from themThese features are not yet part of the stable version, but they reinforce the idea that the company is preparing for a regulatory scenario in which it will be mandatory to open more doors to external devices.
Finally, iOS 26.3 largely acts as prelude to the next major update, iOS 26.4which is expected to bring a new generation of Siri with a greater emphasis on artificial intelligence. Meanwhile, this patch focuses on strengthening security, refining compatibility with other ecosystems, and allowing users to move around more freely.
Overall, iOS 26.3 represents a discreet but very significant step: It finally opens an official and relatively simple way for anyone who wants to switch from iPhone to AndroidWhile it addresses significant security flaws and adds privacy and usability improvements, it doesn't eliminate all barriers or migrate absolutely everything, but it marks a clear shift in Apple's approach to coexisting with the rest of the mobile market.
