Apple could make moving eSIMs from iPhone to Android easier with iOS 19. Evidence found in the latest Android 16 QPR1 Beta 1 suggests that Apple and Google are working closely to achieve this.
Currently, it’s not possible to directly move an eSIM from an iPhone to Android.
iOS 19 could solve a common pain point with eSIMs
Apple has gone all-in on eSIM in the U.S., ditching the physical SIM slot completely on newer iPhones sold in the region. While it’s easy to move eSIMs between iPhones, things get complicated when you bring an Android phone into the picture. Transferring an eSIM from an iPhone to an Android device typically involves multiple steps. More importantly, it requires carrier support, making the entire process time-consuming.
Android Authority found strings in the SIM manager of the latest Android 16 QPR1 Beta 1 indicating Apple will add support for eSIM transfer to Android phones in iOS 19. The “Transfer to Android” option will be located under Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone. Google will also seemingly update its setup process in Android 16 to make importing eSIMs from iPhones easier.
Apparently, Apple and Google will offer a seamless eSIM transfer method. However, as a fallback, they will also provide a QR-based option. This will require scanning the QR code displayed on the iPhone from your new Android phone. As part of the transfer, users will also need to enter a “session ID” and a “passcode,” likely generated by the iPhone.
eSIM transfers shouldn’t be this complicated in 2025
Apple and Google would both need to collaborate on such a feature. So, it makes sense that leaks about this seamless eSIM transfer tool are coming from an Android 16 build.
Apple could talk about this improvement to its eSIM transfer tool while unveiling iOS 19 at WWDC25 next month. Or it could entirely skip talking about this enhancement since it relates to Android.
While it’s encouraging to see Apple and Google collaborating on a solution for eSIM transfers, this effort feels long overdue. The move should help further boost eSIM adoption, especially outside the U.S.
Rajesh has been closely following and writing about the latest happenings in the world of mobile for nearly a decade now. While he prefers Android, he does not deny the superiority of Apple’s products and ecosystem.
