Android Nougat offers iOS users the option to copy data to a new Android device, sort of

As someone who switches devices on a pretty regular basis, I love seeing easier ways to set up a new device, and I’m not alone. Everyone loves when things are easy. To making switching devices as quick and simple as possible, Google has added options into Android’s setup process which allow users to copy data from previous devices, one that is nearby, and most recently, iOS.

In the recently launched Android 7.0 Nougat, Google has quietly added an option to the setup process which helps iOS users, either iPhone or iPad, make the switch to Android. This shows alongside options for copying data from another Android phone, or a recent backup stored on your Google account. After clicking on this third option, users will be directed to a list of instruction which reads as the following:

On your iPhone or iPad device:

1. Open Safari
2. Go to android.com/switch
3. Follow the instructions

The URL brings users to a page which currently lists apps like Google Photos and Play Music for copying over photos/videos and iTunes music, as well as a quick tutorial on how to copy contacts over to Android through various clients. It then goes on to talk about the setup process and several popular apps.

Compared to Google’s other device restore options, there’s nothing too special about this. In fact, the whole thing feels a bit cheap. I’d hope that Google is planning to eventually switch this out with an app for iOS users to automate the process, but for now, it doesn’t seem that is the case. If Google is planning to leave it like this, well, I’m a bit disappointed. Considering the fact that Apple offers a tool for Android users to switch to an iPhone, it would make sense for Google to do the same.