Android 17 Moves 55GB From iPhone to Galaxy Z Fold 8 in 30 Minutes

Q: What hidden data might you permanently lose when trusting Android 17 to wirelessly clone your iPhone?

The biggest risk is data that the tool does not truly copy in full, especially items tied to Apple’s ecosystem, storage limits, or app-specific encryption. In the hands-on test, the clearest example was photos: a 514GB iPhone photo library could not be moved because the new Android phone lacked enough space. If a user assumes the transfer was complete and then wipes or trades in the iPhone, those originals could effectively be lost. Other vulnerable data includes app content that only partially migrates. Android 17’s Switch tool now handles far more than before, including messages, WhatsApp data, passwords, passkeys, Wi‑Fi credentials, settings, and even some app data. But coverage still depends on the app developer, device maker, and carrier. That means some in-app files, draft data, secure tokens, health records, banking app credentials, or locally stored documents may not survive the jump even if the app itself is reinstalled on Android. eSIM and carrier data are another weak point. Reports say eSIM transfer is supported only in some cases, so a wireless clone may not carry over your mobile plan cleanly. The hidden danger is not usually that Android deletes the data during transfer, but that users may believe the new phone is a complete clone when it is not. The safest practice is to keep the iPhone untouched until you manually verify photo libraries, notes attachments, app logins, files, and carrier activation on the Android device.

2 articles · Updated · Tom's Guide · Jul 23

About 55GB of iPhone data moved wirelessly to a Galaxy Z Fold 8 in roughly 25-30 minutes using Android 17’s new iOS migration tool, with another five minutes needed for app logins and Samsung Pay setup.
Google’s tool—branded Smart Switch on Samsung’s new foldables—transferred app matches, messages, call logs, contacts, WhatsApp data, saved logins, settings, wallpaper and even home-screen layouts after a QR-code start.
A 514GB photo library did not make the jump because the Fold 8 lacked enough storage, forcing the user to leave photos behind and move them separately to Amazon Photos.
One failed attempt stemmed from the Android phone not being on Wi-Fi, but reconnecting during setup fixed the issue and the rest of the transfer ran smoothly.
The result points to weaker platform lock-in between iPhone and Android, especially for users deterred by the hassle of moving years of data.