Apple just made it easier to leave the iPhone and move to Android (Updated: Clarification)

Update: February 13, 2026 (8:52 PM ET): Following our report, we’ve received additional clarification about how the new iOS 26.3 transfer option fits into the broader cross-platform experience. The changes rolling out with iOS 26.3 are part of an ongoing collaboration between Google and Apple aimed at making data transfers between Android and iPhone smoother during device setup. While the current iOS update introduces some foundational improvements, the complete end-to-end experience will require updates on both Android devices and iPhones and is expected to arrive in a future software release.

In the meantime, users switching platforms can continue to rely on existing tools. Those moving from Android to iPhone can use the Move to iOS app, while iPhone users switching to Android can still transfer data using a cable or the Android Switch app on iOS.

Original article: February 12, 2026 (1:43 AM ET): Switching from an iPhone to an Android device isn’t exactly the easiest process, although Google offers the Switch to Android app for this purpose. Thankfully, Apple has now stepped up to the plate with its latest iOS update.

Apple has released iOS 26.3, and AppleInsider reports that this update includes a Transfer to Android tool in the settings menu. Colleague Aamir Siddiqui was also able to access this feature on his iPhone. The option can be found by tapping Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Transfer to Android. Check out our screenshots below.

The tool will first ask you to place your iPhone next to the Android device. It also prompts you to scan the QR code on your Android device and enter session credentials. From here, Transfer to Android lets you choose what data you want to transfer. Data eligible for transfer includes photos, messages, apps, and your phone number. MacRumors adds that you can also transfer notes, passwords, and Live Photos.

Unfortunately, the tool doesn’t support health data, paired Bluetooth devices, or protected items. We can understand some of these omissions, but it would’ve been great to see health data transferred via this method as well.

Nevertheless, this solution means you don’t necessarily have to download any apps on your iPhone to switch from iOS to Android. It also comes a while after Android Canary gained a native data transfer feature, allowing users to copy data from Android to iOS.