Samsung lures iPhone users with revamped Smart Switch

By

Samsung Smart Switch
Smart Switch makes it easy to jump platforms.
Photo: Samsung

Samsung is hoping to attract iPhone owners to its new Galaxy S8 lineup with a revamped Smart Switch website.

The company highlights just how easy it can be to swap iOS for Android and take all of your data with you in just a few steps.

Samsung will have already caught the attention of some iPhone owners with its new Galaxy S8, which is undoubtedly one of the prettiest smartphones money can buy. Its unique Infinity Display and impressive features are difficult to ignore.

But for those who are worried that switching might be difficult, Samsung has revamped its Smart Switch website to illustrate just how simple it can be.

“Whether your old phone is an Android, iOS, BlackBerry or Windows Mobile device, upgrading to a Galaxy smartphone is done in one seamless move with Smart Switch,” the South Korean company explains.

“From your contacts to messages, your photos and videos to your music, your calendar events to your apps. Even the device settings. They’re all there on your new Galaxy phone for you to pick up right where you left off.”

Smart Switch offers three ways to transfer all your data: wirelessly over Wi-Fi, using a USB cable, or from your Mac or PC. But of course, keeping hold of your data isn’t the only thing you need to worry about.

One of the biggest things iPhone users miss after switching is Apple’s services. You cannot get things like iMessage and iCloud on Android, and though Google and Samsung offer alternatives, they’re just not the same for those who are used to Apple’s ecosystem.

There’s a chance some of your favorite apps will be missing, too. The app gap has certainly been closing in recent years, but some notable developers still choose to focus solely on iOS. You can forget getting apps like Tweetbot, Things, Overcast, and Spark on Android.

Having said that, the Galaxy S8 will be worth the adjustment for many. While the iPhone is starting to look a little long in the tooth as it celebrates its tenth anniversary this week, Samsung’s latest handset gives us a little taste of the future.

Newsletters

Daily round-ups or a weekly refresher, straight from Cult of Mac to your inbox.

  • The Weekender

    The week's best Apple news, reviews and how-tos from Cult of Mac, every Saturday morning. Our readers say: "Thank you guys for always posting cool stuff" -- Vaughn Nevins. "Very informative" -- Kenly Xavier.