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Users looking to switch from an iOS to Android ecosystem or vice versa often face less of a challenge than easily transferring photos, conversation logs, and archives from previous devices.
However, thanks to Google’s technological advances and increasing regulatory pressure from the European Union , the barriers between ecosystems that have existed for years are about to be overcome like never before.
Google recently enabled the Pixel 10 series to wirelessly share data with iPhones. This comes after Chinese brands like Vivo and OPPO enabled AirDrop- like file sharing between Android and iPhone using custom solutions.
The Mountain View company is now focused on enriching the experience for users who decide to switch from Android to iOS. Meanwhile, the European Union has introduced the Digital Markets Act (DMA), which forces Apple to facilitate iOS interoperability with smartwatches, headphones, and other third-party gadgets.
The latest build of Android Canary 2512, reviewed by researchers at 9to5Google, reveals evidence that Google is revamping the data retrieval process currently used during the initial device setup phase. The company is apparently working to move beyond the current method of using the “Move to Android” app or connecting via physical cables, and instead focus on deeper system-level integration.
This means that users switching from an iPhone to a Pixel or another Android device may no longer have to worry about losing their WhatsApp history or photo libraries. Alongside Google’s initiatives, Apple is facing increasing regulatory scrutiny.
The European Commission recently initiated formal proceedings under the DMA, explicitly requiring Apple to ensure “effective interoperability” between iOS and third-party hardware and software.
Google has confirmed these changes, but details remain reserved for a future announcement. Industry analysts predict the revamped migration mechanism will support a wider range of file types, while offering a more intuitive and significantly faster transfer process.
Historically, Apple has leveraged its tightly controlled ecosystem to deliver unique, seamless experiences, like seamless pairing and synced notifications for Apple Watch and AirPods, while limiting the feature richness of third-party wearables and headphones, which often suffered from unstable connections or the inability to respond to messages.
The new EU requirements aim to dismantle this competitive imbalance by forcing Apple to open up relevant Bluetooth APIs and permissions so that devices from brands like Garmin or Xiaomi, as well as other accessories, can enjoy an experience on par with that of the Apple Watch when connected to an iPhone.
This effectively narrows the gap that Apple has long strengthened through differentiated hardware experiences. In fact, this wave of “disruption” has already begun.
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