iOS 19 may provide a built-in Android transfer tool with eSIM support
New evidence suggests that Apple’s iOS 19 update will bring the option to transfer content from an Android device to an iPhone with support for direct eSIM transfer.
Android Authority found code strings in Google’s SIM Manager app in the Android 16 QPR1 beta in the form of an error message mentioning “iOS 19 or later” and referencing a “Transfer to Android” option which does not exist in iOS 18.
The built-in transfer feature will also enable the wireless transfer of an eSIM from an Android device to an iPhone directly, and vice versa. Currently, this requires an assistance from your carrier but iOS 19 could simplify the process.
How to transfer your eSIM from an Android phone to an iPhone
To initiate an Android-to-iPhone eSIM transfer, your iPhone must be running iOS 19 or later and your Android phone must use Android 16 or later. On your iPhone, go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Transfer to Android > Other Options and choose the option to transfer the eSIM from your old phone.
The transfer process seems to involve scanning a QR code generated by an Android device with your iPhone, and typing a session ID and passcode, generated by the iPhone itself, into Android, without having to call your carrier.
Apple currently supports moving eSIMs directly between iPhones via Bluetooth, as does Google for eSIM transfer between Android devices. However, iOS 19 and Android 16 could bring the same frictionless no-carrier-required experience when transferring eSIMs between iPhones and Android phones.
iOS 19 may bring easier eSIM transfer from Android
Code strings discovered in the latest Android 16 QPR1 beta include a line, saying “On your other device, go to Settings app > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Transfer to Android > Other Options,” referencing a non-existent option. “Make sure your other device is running iOS 19 or later versions,” reads another line.
In iOS 18 and earlier, there’s no “Transfer to Android” available in the menu why resetting your iPhone to factory settings. The code strings suggest that the new tool will appear after choosing an additional “Other Options” setting.
The new feature could be unveiled as part of the iOS 19 preview at Apple’s upcoming Worldwide Developers Conference in June. This looks to be a joint effort on Apple’s and Google’s part. The final version of Android 16 will drop in June for Google Pixel devices, rolling out to other Android smartphones over the next few months. Apple will release iOS 19 in September ahead of new iPhones.
Moving eSIMs between devices
A frictionless eSIM transfer process would be appreciated. Currently, transferring an eSIM from a non-Apple device like an Android handset to an iPhone requires calling your carrier to email you a new QR code or eSIM activation details, according to Apple’s support page.
Apple provides a dedicated app for switchers, Move to iOS on the Play Store. I’m only speculating, but the Android transfer option in iOS 19 may include the full functionality provided by the Move to iOS app with support for mail, contracts, calendars, photos, videos, music, documents, apps and other data categories.
Source link: https://www.idownloadblog.com/2025/05/28/ios-19-android-transfer-esim-support/
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