With the release of iOS 26, Apple has introduced a new feature that enables users to transfer eSIMs between iPhones and Android devices. This update simplifies the process of moving phone numbers across platforms, eliminating the need for users to reach out to their carriers for assistance during the transition. Some users have already discovered a “Transfer to Android” option within their cellular settings, although it is important to note that this feature is not available for all service plans at the moment. An example includes an iPhone user utilizing US Mobile’s Dark Star eSIM, who was able to find the transfer option.
When adding an eSIM in iOS 26, there is also a corresponding “Transfer From Android” feature. By selecting this option, users can generate a QR code that can be scanned using an Android device to initiate the transfer. The transfer process works both ways, allowing seamless movement of eSIMs between devices. It seems that Apple rolled out this functionality in collaboration with Google.
Prior to the launch of iOS 26, an Android 16 beta hinted at the development of cross-platform transfer capabilities, paving the way for this innovation. In earlier versions, such as iOS 18, transferring an eSIM from one iPhone to another was straightforward. However, moving an eSIM from an iPhone to an Android device proved to be a much more cumbersome task, often requiring users to obtain a QR code from their carriers. With the arrival of iOS 26, the transition process for many iPhone users switching to Android should become significantly more manageable.
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