Apple plans to make it easy for iPhone users to switch to Android: Everything to know

The tech giant has published a non-confidential document detailing the progress it made to comply with the rules. The document also lists plans to make further changes to its user data portability offering.

It mentions migration solutions offered by third parties that help users transfer data between devices with different operating systems. “To build on those options, Apple is developing a solution that helps mobile operating system providers develop more user-friendly solutions to transfer data from an iPhone to a non-Apple phone,” it said.

As of now, there are no details on how the transfer process will work. However, it appears that the iPhone maker intends to provide tools to mobile OS providers like Google to help them develop applications that would allow them to help transfer data from an iPhone to their own operating system. Apple expects such migration solutions to be ready by fall 2025.

Apple already has an Android app offering, called Move to iOS, which helps new iPhone owners to switch their data, including WhatsApp chats, to a new Apple iOS device from their existing Android smartphone. However, things aren’t so simple when it comes to transferring data from an iPhone to a non-iOS device. Google’s Switch to Android app, although assists users migrate from an iOS device, has certain limitations.

In addition to providing a migration solution for iPhone users, Apple is also creating a browser-switching solution to help users export and import relevant browser data into another browser on the same device. This feature will be available by late 2024 or early 2025. The 12-page DMA Compliance Report from Apple lists changes it has already made for users in the EU, which include support for alternative app marketplaces, alternative web browser engines, alternative payments on the App Store, and more.