Apple Plans to Make Switching from iPhone to Android Simpler, Shares Timeline

Apple is engaged on an answer that can make it simpler to change from an iPhone to an Android smartphone. The firm has printed a brand new doc detailing the checklist of modifications it has already made, equivalent to including help for various app marketplaces and permitting third-party browsers to run their browser engine to adjust to the European Union’s (EU) Digital Marketing Act (DMA) which lately got here into impact. It additionally shared its plans so as to add extra interoperability options together with uninstalling the Safari browser, transferring information between completely different browsers, and extra.

In a 12-page doc, Apple highlighted the progress it has made to adjust to DMA. The tech big additionally shared options it’s presently engaged on. The most notable is the migration resolution that can assist customers simply swap from an iPhone to an Android cellphone. The doc said, “Apple is developing a solution that helps mobile operating system providers develop more user-friendly solutions to transfer data from an iPhone to a non-Apple phone.” This characteristic might be out there within the second half of 2025.

Another factor iPhone customers will quickly be capable to do is absolutely uninstall the Safari browser. The tech big has already allowed customers to take away pre-installed apps from the Home Screen. “ Apple also plans to enable users to completely delete Safari from iOS, should they wish to do so. Apple aims to make this option available by the end of 2024.”

Notably, Apple’s native browser engine Webkit powers Safari browser. All third-party browsers within the App Store even have to make use of it as the inspiration to construct their app which is why all third-party browsers look and performance much like Safari. This is likely one of the the explanation why letting customers uninstall Safari is hard for the iPhone maker in comparison with different comparable apps and explains the longer period taken by the corporate to implement it.

Further, Apple can be engaged on a browser-switching resolution that may be an especially handy software for individuals who wish to strive new browsers however discover letting go of all of the saved bookmarks, passwords and web site information tough. The firm mentioned, “Apple is also creating a browser switching solution for exporting and importing relevant browser data into another browser on the same device.” This characteristic might be out there by the tip of 2024 or the start of 2025.

All of those options are undoubtedly coming for the customers dwelling within the Bloc, however it’s not sure if different areas the place DMA shouldn’t be relevant will even get them.