Switching from an Android device to iPhone has always been easy. Google’s services are all available in the cloud, and if you’re switching platforms, that cloud goes with you.
The opposite has never been the case, however. Apple is fiercely protective of its own cloud platform and transferring contacts, files and photos from an iPhone to an Android device has always been a chore. Until now.
Today, Google has announced an update to Google Drive that will finally make this task easier. The feature, found within the Google Drive app on your iPhone, will let you upload your contacts, calendar and camera roll to Google Drive.
You can now restore this backup to an Android phone of your choosing.
Owing to iOS’ restrictions, backing up your music collection and files from non-Google apps is not possible yet, but it’s a start. As The Verge points out, however, you can plug your iPhone into a Google Pixel to transfer music and text.
The tool comes at a time when long-time Apple-fans are increasingly disillusioned by the company’s offerings. The iPhone 7 has received tremendous backlash for the removal of the much-loved and perfectly functional headphone jack, and also for its lack of innovation.
At the same time, smartphone makers are coming up with compelling, innovative flagships like the Google Pixel, the OnePlus 3 and the Xiaomi Mi Mix.
iPhone sales continue to decline while Android eats into Apple’s marketshare. If it wasn’t for Samsung Galaxy Note 7 fiasco, it’s conceivable that the situation would have been even worse for Apple.