Let’s be honest — moving from one mobile ecosystem to another can feel a little intimidating. If you’ve been an iPhone user for years, the thought of shifting to Android might sound complicated. But with the launch of the Pixel 10 series, Google has clearly made an effort to make that process as smooth and stress-free as possible. After testing how it works, here’s exactly what you can expect when switching from an iPhone to a Pixel 10, and how you can keep all your data, apps, and contacts safe along the way.
Getting Ready Before the Pixel Arrives
One nice touch is that if you order a Google Pixel 10 through the Google Store, Google doesn’t wait until delivery to help you. You’ll get detailed guidance in advance on what to do: back up your contacts, photos, passwords, and digital wallet data into your Google Account.
Doing this prep work early means that once your new phone arrives, you’re not wasting time scrambling — everything is already lined up, and the setup is much quicker.
The Transfer Process: Fast and Simple
When your Pixel 10 is in hand, the actual transfer is surprisingly quick. On average, it takes about 30 minutes. All you do is connect your iPhone to the Pixel with a cable, follow the on-screen instructions, and let the system do its job.
Here’s the kind of data you can carry over in one go:
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Photos and videos
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Contacts
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Texts and iMessages
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WhatsApp conversations
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Notes
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Call history
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Supported apps
And don’t worry about your iCloud library — after the initial setup, you can import those photos too into Google Photos, so all your memories end up in one place.
What Happens to Apps and Subscriptions?
Most of your apps will come across without trouble. But for subscription services like Spotify or Apple Music, you’ll just need to log in again. Some paid apps may not transfer automatically, since it depends on the developer’s policies.
One of the biggest questions iPhone users ask is: what about messaging? Thankfully, with Apple adopting RCS, chats between iPhones and Androids now support features like read receipts and emoji reactions. FaceTime, though, still has limitations. You won’t be able to start a FaceTime call from a Pixel, but you can join one via a link. For everyday video calls, apps like Google Meet, WhatsApp, or Messenger fill the gap easily.
Everyday Features Feel Familiar
If you’re worried about losing features you use daily, don’t be. For example, location sharing works seamlessly on Google Maps. You can control who sees your location and for how long, just like you did on iOS.
Plus, the Pixel 10 adds some of its own exclusive perks. Clear Calling reduces background noise so your calls sound clearer, and the new photo editing features can even improve pictures originally taken on your iPhone.
A Fresh Start for Your Digital Life
One underrated benefit of switching to the Pixel 10 series is that it gives you a chance to tidy up your digital life. You can filter out unnecessary apps, delete duplicate or old photos, and update your contacts list. The end result? A cleaner, more organised phone that feels fresh from day one.
Final Word
Switching from iPhone to Pixel 10 might have once felt like a headache, but with Google’s thoughtful setup tools, it’s now quick, practical, and much less stressful. From keeping your data, apps, and contacts safe to introducing handy extras like Clear Calling and smart editing in Google Photos, the Pixel 10 series makes the transition smoother than ever.
