Switch to Galaxy

Thinking about leaving iPhone for a Samsung Galaxy? You won’t be starting over. Samsung’s Smart Switch and Apple’s own Transfer to Android tool can move your photos, contacts, messages and more, and this hub covers the few things that work differently, like iMessage and your Apple Watch. You’d be in good company, too: Samsung says 30% of Galaxy Z Flip 8 buyers switched from another phone brand.

Start here: switch in five steps

1. Back up your iPhone: Make a fresh iCloud or computer backup first, so there’s a copy if a transfer stops partway (Apple’s backup steps).
2. Move your data: Smart Switch brings your photos, messages, contacts and apps across when you set up the Galaxy.
3. Turn off iMessage and FaceTime: Do it on the iPhone before you put it away, or texts from iPhone users may not reach your Galaxy.
4. Check WhatsApp: Apple’s transfer tool moves an app’s data only once that app’s developer supports it, so read WhatsApp’s own page on changing phones first.
5. Plan for your Apple Watch: It needs an iPhone to set up, so it won’t work with a Galaxy. The Galaxy Watch 9 is the natural replacement.

Transfer and setup

Smart Switch does the heavy lifting, and its One UI 9 version also moves passwords, passkeys and call history.

iMessage and texting

Galaxy phones text with Google Messages, since Samsung Messages is gone in the US. Texts with iPhones use RCS when both phones and carriers support it, so photos stay sharp and typing indicators work, though your messages show in green bubbles on the iPhone.

iOS vs One UI

Most of what you use on an iPhone has a Galaxy match, and on recent Galaxy phones Quick Share can send files to an iPhone through AirDrop.

Which Galaxy is right for you?

• Coming from an iPhone 18 Pro or Pro Max: The Galaxy S26 Ultra. See how it stacks up against the iPhone 18 Pro Max.
• Coming from a standard iPhone: The Galaxy S26 and S26+, or the Galaxy S26 FE if you want to spend less.
• Curious about foldables: The Galaxy Z Fold 8 is the direct rival to Apple’s first foldable, the iPhone Duo, and Apple doesn’t make a flip phone like the Galaxy Z Flip 8.
• Can wait a few months: The Galaxy S27 Ultra and the rest of the S27 series are expected in early 2027.

Switcher Bonus Gear is coming soon. We’re putting together extra gear for readers who switch from iPhone and buy their Galaxy through SammyGuru. Join Rewards free to hear first.