iPhone Users Can Now Swap to Any Android 12 Phone With Google's 'Switch to Android' iOS App

[TheMacDaddy1]

Well, that is something I won't be doing. I've only recently moved from Android because I was fed up with phones only offering one or two major versions of Android. At least with iPhones, you know Apple will update iOS for five years or similar.

How long will the Samsung Galaxy S22 series receive software updates?

The upcoming Samsung Galaxy S22 series smartphones have fans excited for the many upgrades over the previous generation models, including the inclusion of Android 12. But it doesn't ...

www.androidcentral.com

"The Samsung Galaxy S22 series smartphones will receive Android software updates for up to four years, which means up to the Android 16/One UI 8. The promise means that the phones will receive enhanced support from Samsung, and any necessary software upgrades, through the next four Android OS versions"

The longest I have ever had a phone is maybe 3 years. I did keep an iPad 2 around long after it lost updates. My current 12.9 inch 1st gen iPad Pro will probably lose update support after 16. I will keep using until the consumption apps stop working (Netflix, Disney, Kindle...etc).

 

[TheMacDaddy1]

I move back and forth between iOS and Android every few years. Firstly, both platforms are great. Secondly, more Android phones run Android 12 then other commenters seem to think. Thirdly, there are actually quite a few Android handsets that now get three and four years of OS support. Fourthly, it is so easy to move back and forth without apps that anyone at all tech savvy should not need apps to help them do this. Users who are not overly technical likely really appreciate these apps.

Agreed. Especially if you use apps that are on both and they store their data in the cloud. I use Google Maps, Microsoft Edge browser, Microsoft Outlook email, OneDrive....all of it works on both. I am a Apple music family sub...which works on Android.

 

[harrisondavies]

No thanks.

 

[Funny Apple Man]

Only what you want to see right?
Got it.

Apple is made better when people sympathise with Android. Those users see things they want and that feedback goes back to Cupertino who decide, (or not), to implement such a feature.

We don't want that though do we, our echo chamber is lovely and comfortable.

What you said wasn’t technically wrong, but again this is an Apple forum so of course there is going to be bias against Android. Did you really think the majority of people here would be all lovey-dovey on Android?

I only answered a question as to why Android is not viewed favorably here. I never said that I wanted or promoted the idea of an echo chamber, you’re just making assumptions. If this place was such an echo chamber, then no one would be criticizing Apple for every bad decision they make.

 

[FindingAvalon]

Seems like a lot of work for an app only 15 people on earth will use. 😝

 

[H2SO4]

What you said wasn’t technically wrong, but again this is an Apple forum so of course there is going to be bias against Android. Did you really think the majority of people here would be all lovey-dovey on Android?

I only answered a question as to why Android is not viewed favorably here. I never said that I wanted or promoted the idea of an echo chamber, you’re just making assumptions. If this place was such an echo chamber, then no one would be criticizing Apple for every bad decision they make.

Good point but there is a difference between being Pro Apple and Anti Android. One can be the former without being the latter.

 

[chris1958]

Well, that is something I won't be doing. I've only recently moved from Android because I was fed up with phones only offering one or two major versions of Android. At least with iPhones, you know Apple will update iOS for five years or similar.

Obviously you didn't see the hardware requirements for the next Apple OSes. Apple even still sells a Watch, which will not get the next version. And Google produces updates for much older versions of Android than Apple ever did for their OSes.

 

[cupcakes2000]

Obviously you didn't see the hardware requirements for the next Apple OSes. Apple even still sells a Watch, which will not get the next version. And Google produces updates for much older versions of Android than Apple ever did for their OSes.

I think you’re gonna have to provide a few links here mate. Android is famously s h I t e at even keeping recent models compatible. Apple in fact has the opposite reputation, with the odd caveat/pitfall/discrepancy. Regardless your stance here is quite laughable.

 

[JetBlack7]

Some people here need to chill. People that would like to change and/or try Android should not be made fun or ostracized just because they prefer something other than Apple.

There's plenty of space for Apple and Android fans on this forum.

 

[Expos of 1969]

Seems like a lot of work for an app only 15 people on earth will use. 😝

Exactly. The majority of intelligent people are already using an Android phone.

 

[sjsharksfan12]

Why would anyone on this board want or prefer Android? Remember this is a apple site.

I'm still looking for an alternate Android Site that is like this. The closest I've found is Reddit and to be honest I would like to find ways to post on reddit less.

 

[ProfessionalFan]

There's plenty of space for Apple and Android fans on this forum.

I agree. It shouldn't be surprising though. It isn't like this is a generic tech site. It is an Apple site. Of course, the viewpoint will be skewed heavily here.

 

[Johns12]

There are so many comments that "this is Apple site so expect jaded, jingoistic responses" ( my words). What so many here don't seem to understand is, many, I don't know the exact number, but many people here live in 3 to 4 worlds. IOS, Android, MacOs, windows. I get so tired of the Android sucks comments. I use a Macbook Pro, Mac Pro for my recording studio, my wife has an Iphone and Ipad, yet I use a Samsung phone, after 6 years of Iphones. I have had next to no issues with the mixed system. I am not deeply entrenched into the Apple ecosystem and also not deeply entrenched in Google. I had a Note 8 for almost 5 years and loved it. Just upgraded to a used ZFlip 3 and find it a great, fun phone. All of these other comments about good and bad, on both sides, is like religion, race, sexual preference, financial ability, taste in music, movies, etc. People say stupid things to justify there choice.

 

[jdawgnoonan]

There are so many comments that "this is Apple site so expect jaded, jingoistic responses" ( my words). What so many here don't seem to understand is, many, I don't know the exact number, but many people here live in 3 to 4 worlds. IOS, Android, MacOs, windows. I get so tired of the Android sucks comments. I use a Macbook Pro, Mac Pro for my recording studio, my wife has an Iphone and Ipad, yet I use a Samsung phone, after 6 years of Iphones. I have had next to no issues with the mixed system. I am not deeply entrenched into the Apple ecosystem and also not deeply entrenched in Google. I had a Note 8 for almost 5 years and loved it. Just upgraded to a used ZFlip 3 and find it a great, fun phone. All of these other comments about good and bad, on both sides, is like religion, race, sexual preference, financial ability, taste in music, movies, etc. People say stupid things to justify there choice.

Yeah, it is like that here. It amazes me how emotional some people get over a tech company. I have multiple Apple devices, Windows machines, Linux machines, and Android stuff. I like them all, and they all have their advantages. But other sites are the same. Goofballs who are too into following their favorite brand prove their lack of thoughtfulness with argumentative garbage that leaves me wondering why I bother to read comments. Thought provoking or insightful comments are the rarity.

 

[Funny Apple Man]

I agree. It shouldn't be surprising though. It isn't like this is a generic tech site. It is an Apple site. Of course, the viewpoint will be skewed heavily here.

That's what I'm trying to point out! I only said the obvious and some got upset about it for reasons I don't know.

 

[Sunshoopa]

Why would anyone on this board want or prefer Android? Remember this is a apple site.

I do! I come here for news for my Mac and iPad only. I prefer Android for my phone and also have an Android tablet. I have no need for an iPhone when my Note 20 Ultra is perfect for what I use it for. I know this site is "heavy" Apple though, more so than most places, but not all of us are Apple or nothing.

 

[Radon87000]

The amount of fanboyism in this thread is astounding. As someone who is knee deep into the Apple ecosystem with an iPhone 11 Pro Max, Apple TV 4K, iPad Pro 12.9 M1 and a MacBook Air , I recently bought an S22 Ultra and there are a lot of compelling usecases for it which actually made my life easier compared to ios.

For one, there is system level spam call blocking which is not possible on ios. You also get a browser with ad blockers built in while on ios you need to download the extension separately. The file system is leagues better than ios if you are someone who uses PCs on a daily basis. Google Maps shows more points of interest and the speed of your vehicle again not possible on ios. You can move to home screen and still see the navigation. The Spen is extremely convenient at jotting down random stuff you encounter across the day.

You can personalise your phone so that you can never get bored of it. Lastly, you get access to latest display technologies. Thr hole punch design is better than the notch for content consimption and the under the display fingerprint sensor is way more convenient than FaceID as it works in any orientation.

Samsung has committed to 4 years of software updates for Android as well. People should really try out Android before bashing it. It's really improved and a good contender to ios.

 

[cupcakes2000]

The amount of fanboyism in this thread is astounding. As someone who is knee deep into the Apple ecosystem with an iPhone 11 Pro Max, Apple TV 4K, iPad Pro 12.9 M1 and a MacBook Air , I recently bought an S22 Ultra and there are a lot of compelling usecases for it which actually made my life easier compared to ios.

For one, there is system level spam call blocking which is not possible on ios. You also get a browser with ad blockers built in while on ios you need to download the extension separately. The file system is leagues better than ios if you are someone who uses PCs on a daily basis. Google Maps shows more points of interest and the speed of your vehicle again not possible on ios. You can move to home screen and still see the navigation. The Spen is extremely convenient at jotting down random stuff you encounter across the day.

You can personalise your phone so that you can never get bored of it. Lastly, you get access to latest display technologies. Thr hole punch design is better than the notch for content consimption and the under the display fingerprint sensor is way more convenient than FaceID as it works in any orientation.

Samsung has committed to 4 years of software updates for Android as well. People should really try out Android before bashing it. It's really improved and a good contender to ios.

Im not sure most of it is´fanboyism’ - rather, as your post is doing, people just stating their preferences. It’s certainly not ‘astounding’ considering some other threads.

I don’t use Google maps but Apple maps and other mapping apps show the speed of the vehicle and points of interest.

Im not sure how built in blockers verses a choice of which you can download is better - but you can download browsers with built in blockers if you like.

The rest is reliant on purchasing new phones rather than the os specifically, and my iPhone 13 pro certainly has latest display tech.

The other things you mention are user preferences. I happen to think faceID is pretty seamless. Under screen fingerprint tech is pretty lame atm. You need to put your finger in one spot. May as well have a button. When you can put your finger anywhere, then I’ll be interested.

Of course - you and many others will label my comment as ‘fanboyism’, simply just because. But really it’s just Apple does things differently with their phones. And all their stuff tbh. You either like it or not. If that’s a fanboy, well then so be it.

I personally think it’s just a preference on how you spend the copious amounts of money that quality tech costs from any manufacturer.

I think it’s pretty childish to label anyone as anything based on the phone they have - but here we are.

 

[Radon87000]

Im not sure most of it is´fanboyism’ - rather, as your post is doing, people just stating their preferences. It’s certainly not ‘astounding’ considering some other threads.

I don’t use Google maps but Apple maps and other mapping apps show the speed of the vehicle and points of interest.

Im not sure how built in blockers verses a choice of which you can download is better - but you can download browsers with built in blockers if you like.

The rest is reliant on purchasing new phones rather than the os specifically, and my iPhone 13 pro certainly has latest display tech.

The other things you mention are user preferences. I happen to think faceID is pretty seamless. Under screen fingerprint tech is pretty lame atm. You need to put your finger in one spot. May as well have a button. When you can put your finger anywhere, then I’ll be interested.

Of course - you and many others will label my comment as ‘fanboyism’, simply just because. But really it’s just Apple does things differently with their phones. And all their stuff tbh. You either like it or not. If that’s a fanboy, well then so be it.

I personally think it’s just a preference on how you spend the copious amounts of money that quality tech costs from any manufacturer.

I think it’s pretty childish to label anyone as anything based on the phone they have - but here we are.

Its not 'preferences'. Android factually does a lot of stuff better. Its really basic stuff which you didn't know was irritating on iOS before using Android. For instance, clipboard history. On Android keyboards, its literally just a button on top of the number key and you can scroll through your entire clipboard history apart from the one you just copied. On iOS you are restricted to just the text you have copied. I was on reddit right now, posting a YT video link and then immediately switched to a DHL order tracking using the clipboard from yesterday. This would take a lot more steps on iOS. You can also move the keyboard to any part of the screen where its more convenient for you.

Then you can resize PiP on Android so if it seems smaller you can resize it.

The adblockers come built into Android. There is no separate download needed for them which makes it more seamless.

Samsung supplies Apple with their OLED displays but they don't sell them their very best displays. The S22 Ultra has a peak brightness of 1,750 nits the highest amongst all smartphones to date, and its the only screen I have seen which is able to overpower glare from the sun in daylight.

The main problem with FaceID is that its very clunky with masks and you really need your face to be aligned properly before opening. On iPads its horrible, as I usually kick back in bed to watch a movie and I frequently need to adjust my position to get it to activate. With under the screen fingerprint sensor, the phone comes unlocked right out of my pocket. Also since its an Always on display, you can see where the sensor is located anyway. Yet another feature Apple hasn't adopted and its coming with iPhone 14. FaceID is tolerable on iPhones but is very bad on ipads.

iOS is NICE. I am not denying that. Social media apps and animations in general are smoother. Battery life is much better on iOS as well. My 11 Pro Max lasts around 3 hours more than my S22 Ultra. But Android is just much more convenient in day to day tasks simply because it doesn't treat you like a kid. iOS treats you like a user but Android treats you like an administrator.

No one is clearly better than the other but reading the snide comments on here makes it seem like Android is some **** tier OS and iOS is heads and shoulder above it which isnt the case. A switch to Android app makes perfect sense.

 

[cupcakes2000]

Its not 'preferences'. Android factually does a lot of stuff better. Its really basic stuff which you didn't know was irritating on iOS before using Android. For instance, clipboard history. On Android keyboards, its literally just a button on top of the number key and you can scroll through your entire clipboard history apart from the one you just copied. On iOS you are restricted to just the text you have copied. I was on reddit right now, posting a YT video link and then immediately switched to a DHL order tracking using the clipboard from yesterday. This would take a lot more steps on iOS. You can also move the keyboard to any part of the screen where its more convenient for you.

Then you can resize PiP on Android so if it seems smaller you can resize it.

The adblockers come built into Android. There is no separate download needed for them which makes it more seamless.

Samsung supplies Apple with their OLED displays but they don't sell them their very best displays. The S22 Ultra has a peak brightness of 1,750 nits the highest amongst all smartphones to date, and its the only screen I have seen which is able to overpower glare from the sun in daylight.

The main problem with FaceID is that its very clunky with masks and you really need your face to be aligned properly before opening. On iPads its horrible, as I usually kick back in bed to watch a movie and I frequently need to adjust my position to get it to activate. With under the screen fingerprint sensor, the phone comes unlocked right out of my pocket. Also since its an Always on display, you can see where the sensor is located anyway. Yet another feature Apple hasn't adopted and its coming with iPhone 14. FaceID is tolerable on iPhones but is very bad on ipads.

iOS is NICE. I am not denying that. Social media apps and animations in general are smoother. Battery life is much better on iOS as well. My 11 Pro Max lasts around 3 hours more than my S22 Ultra. But Android is just much more convenient in day to day tasks simply because it doesn't treat you like a kid. iOS treats you like a user but Android treats you like an administrator.

No one is clearly better than the other but reading the snide comments on here makes it seem like Android is some **** tier OS and iOS is heads and shoulder above it which isnt the case. A switch to Android app makes perfect sense.

Cool. Sounds great. But it’s still preference.

See - android doesn’t share cut and paste across iPhone iPads and macs. The single most useful feature - works out of the box. But it’s a preference. I’m sometimes annoyed by the clipboard situation on iOS, it’s better on android due to a proper clipboard manager.

Face ID on my iPad doesn’t give me trouble (in bed or whatever -2018 12.9). On the phone in the street it works with a mask, but it doesn’t work very well with my sunglasses. But the fingerprint ID doesn’t work with gloves 🤷. Them’s the breaks. I would like underscreen scanning plus faceID, but I feel it’s not a great feature until it’s anywhere on the screen. Always on screens don’t interest me. I really don’t get the point, for me.

Content blockers are available on both- it’s irrelevant if they’re ‘built in’ or not - again, my preference v your preference.

I know you like android and you find it has better features. Well I’m just on the other side of the road. I’m not saying android is bad, I just prefer iOS. It has some limitations compared to android. But then android has some limitations compared to ios. The eco system is a big part, it’s useful integrations is the deal breaker for me. But then I use iPhones, Macs and iPads almost exclusively.

 

[Johns12]

Cool. Sounds great. But it’s still preference.

See - android doesn’t share cut and paste across iPhone iPads and macs. The single most useful feature - works out of the box. But it’s a preference. I’m sometimes annoyed by the clipboard situation on iOS, it’s better on android due to a proper clipboard manager.

Face ID on my iPad doesn’t give me trouble (in bed or whatever -2018 12.9). On the phone in the street it works with a mask, but it doesn’t work very well with my sunglasses. But the fingerprint ID doesn’t work with gloves 🤷. Them’s the breaks. I would like underscreen scanning plus faceID, but I feel it’s not a great feature until it’s anywhere on the screen. Always on screens don’t interest me. I really don’t get the point, for me.

Content blockers are available on both- it’s irrelevant if they’re ‘built in’ or not - again, my preference v your preference.

I know you like android and you find it has better features. Well I’m just on the other side of the road. I’m not saying android is bad, I just prefer iOS. It has some limitations compared to android. But then android has some limitations compared to ios. The eco system is a big part, it’s useful integrations is the deal breaker for me. But then I use iPhones, Macs and iPads almost exclusively.

Unfortunately, it's not just preference. Preference would be, "oh you have an Android phone, cool, I prefer Iphones. That is nowhere close to what some people post here. And of course, the same stupidity happens on some Android sites. There, it can be worse because it's not just Apple hate, but your -insert manufacturer- is no good. It's amazing how quickly the most mundane, inanimate objects, almost become dieties.

 

[babyexercise]

It is still almost impossible to transfer whatsapp history from Android to iPhone.

 

[Radon87000]

Cool. Sounds great. But it’s still preference.

See - android doesn’t share cut and paste across iPhone iPads and macs. The single most useful feature - works out of the box. But it’s a preference. I’m sometimes annoyed by the clipboard situation on iOS, it’s better on android due to a proper clipboard manager.

Face ID on my iPad doesn’t give me trouble (in bed or whatever -2018 12.9). On the phone in the street it works with a mask, but it doesn’t work very well with my sunglasses. But the fingerprint ID doesn’t work with gloves 🤷. Them’s the breaks. I would like underscreen scanning plus faceID, but I feel it’s not a great feature until it’s anywhere on the screen. Always on screens don’t interest me. I really don’t get the point, for me.

Content blockers are available on both- it’s irrelevant if they’re ‘built in’ or not - again, my preference v your preference.

I know you like android and you find it has better features. Well I’m just on the other side of the road. I’m not saying android is bad, I just prefer iOS. It has some limitations compared to android. But then android has some limitations compared to ios. The eco system is a big part, it’s useful integrations is the deal breaker for me. But then I use iPhones, Macs and iPads almost exclusively.

Cool. Sounds great. But it’s still preference.

See - android doesn’t share cut and paste across iPhone iPads and macs. The single most useful feature - works out of the box. But it’s a preference. I’m sometimes annoyed by the clipboard situation on iOS, it’s better on android due to a proper clipboard manager.

Face ID on my iPad doesn’t give me trouble (in bed or whatever -2018 12.9). On the phone in the street it works with a mask, but it doesn’t work very well with my sunglasses. But the fingerprint ID doesn’t work with gloves 🤷. Them’s the breaks. I would like underscreen scanning plus faceID, but I feel it’s not a great feature until it’s anywhere on the screen. Always on screens don’t interest me. I really don’t get the point, for me.

Content blockers are available on both- it’s irrelevant if they’re ‘built in’ or not - again, my preference v your preference.

I know you like android and you find it has better features. Well I’m just on the other side of the road. I’m not saying android is bad, I just prefer iOS. It has some limitations compared to android. But then android has some limitations compared to ios. The eco system is a big part, it’s useful integrations is the deal breaker for me. But then I use iPhones, Macs and iPads almost exclusively.

If you use Samsung devices on Android, cut and paste is shared across devices just like on ios. It's a feature of One UI 4.1.

You have Samsung Buds Pro which also work across Galaxy devices just like Airpods. You can also take calls on Galaxy Tab and switch to the phone just like on ios.

Apple is still superior in ecosystem integration but the gap isn't as large as it used to be.

Regarding the biometrics, different strokes for different folks I guess. I don't really like FaceID as it doesn't work on all angles like how a button would.

The areas where iOS is clearly superior are class leading battery life and general smoothness of the OS. When it comes to productivity, even the S22 Ultra which is just a phone can actually do more than an iPad Pro in some aspects.

To be honest, I am just tired of Apple's slow adoption of new features. Took them long enough to adopt larger screens on iPhones. It took them almost 2 years to introduce Promotion displays on iphones after Android. Always on Display is finally coming in iPhone 14 but really should have been out 2 years ago. Lastly, the notch makes the iPhone look dated next to a hole punch design like Androids do. It makes a huge difference in content consumption. And we finally hear Apple adopting this design as well in iPhone 14

 

[cupcakes2000]

If you use Samsung devices on Android, cut and paste is shared across devices just like on ios. It's a feature of One UI 4.1.

It doesn’t share between other Apple devices though, which is the key for me. Unless Samsung release a mac, which is obviously not going to happen, then these features won’t work. Of course Apple could make that work but why would they? Their eco system is among their top selling points.

obviously there are arguments to make this happen - but as far as I’m concerned it works for me. I’m productive enough to be able to run my business on top of actually doing my work accros Apple devices. Flinging an android phone into the mix wouldn’t be productive at all.

the other things you mention are just Samsung devices working well together within the Samsung eco system. But that’s the same thing as Apple does.

Maybe one day we will have a situation where everything works well with everything. Maybe some kind of cloud system that everything is placed within, whereby any device added can just partake. But without a hard amount of sys admin work - that’s a long way off, and nowhere near the simplicity that Apple or other companies may offer right now. Albeit with the caveat that you use their products.

 

[BlueCreek]

I move back and forth between iOS and Android every few years. Firstly, both platforms are great. Secondly, more Android phones run Android 12 then other commenters seem to think. Thirdly, there are actually quite a few Android handsets that now get three and four years of OS support. Fourthly, it is so easy to move back and forth without apps that anyone at all tech savvy should not need apps to help them do this. Users who are not overly technical likely really appreciate these apps.

No