Abstract
- Android 17 introduces an up to date Android Change device.
- The brand new device is native to each Android and iOS and permits seamless switch of tons of latest information sorts, together with passwords, RCS messages, and even third-party app information (with dev opt-in).
- The rollout is proscribed initially however will broaden over the approaching months.
With the discharge of Android 17, Google has additionally unveiled a significant overhaul of Android Change. The brand new device is constructed into the OS and may mark a big shift within the expertise of shifting from one platform to a different.
Android 17 made my Pixel really feel new in methods I did not count on
Protected to say, I am glad I gave this a shot.
What’s new with Android Change
Seamless switch, new information sorts
In a post on X, Paul Dunlop, Product Lead for Onboarding, Settings and Switching at Android, ran by means of the highlights:
- Wi-fi: The brand new device is wireless-first. You possibly can nonetheless use a cable if you happen to like, however there needs to be fewer compromises going wi-fi.
- Native: This device is now constructed straight into each Android and iOS (sure, iOS). No extra fumbling with apps.
- New information sorts: Passwords, passkeys, Google accounts, Wi-Fi credentials, alarms, information and folders, calendar attachments, name historical past, and Apple Notes attachments are a number of the newly supported information sorts.
- Works with third-party apps: A brand new API, developed with Apple, permits builders to allow cross-platform information migration. So you do not simply get your apps downloaded in your new cellphone — if the developer permits it, you additionally get all of your information.
- Higher Messages assist: Android Change helps SMS, MMS, RCS, and iMessage, together with group chats, reactions, and threads.
- Customization assist: Wallpapers, dwelling display screen layouts, app placement, and even accessibility settings now switch.
- eSim switch: Your eSim now transfers throughout preliminary setup, taking this clunky step out of the equation.
Mixed with Android telephones borrowing options from iPhones, this could make switching a lot much less of a headache.
High quality-of-life enhancements
Will switching lastly be straightforward?
In the event you’ve ever tried to modify from iPhone to Android (or the opposite means round), you know the way a lot of a problem it may be. Messages do not switch cleanly, app information is usually misplaced, and the entire thing tends to finish up a multitude. That is very true with messages — RCS messages have been a ache for a very long time (ask me how I do know), in order that change could be very welcome.
The brand new information sorts are one other large quality-of-life enchancment. Wi-Fi credentials and alarms do not appear to be an enormous deal, however having these kinds of issues switch will take away a ton of friction from switching. The identical is true for third-party app assist. As somebody who’s switched between Android and iPhone few occasions, I am very excited for these updates. I’d nonetheless miss a few of these helpful iPhone options, although.
Availability
Gradual rollout, as standard
Rollout for these new options began on June 17 for a “small %” of Android 17 gadgets, with plans to broaden to extra gadgets over “the approaching weeks and months.” The performance additionally seems to work for Android-to-iPhone transfers, as talked about in Apple’s support docs. The catch is you will have to be on Android 17 for it to work.