WhatsApp lets you transfer data from iPhone to Android — starting with Samsung Galaxy phones

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3
(Image credit: Samsung)

Samsung's next-generation Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Galaxy Z Flip 3 were center stage at the August Galaxy Unpacked event, but the tech giant also revealed an easier way for iPhone users to switch to its latest Android smartphone — through WhatsApp.

The Facebook-owned messaging platform is working on letting smartphone users transfer their chat history from iOS to Android, and vice versa. This means frequent WhatsApp users looking to switch mobile operating system allegiances can easily bring over conversations, photos, and voice messages. 

Announced during the Samsung Unpacked event, the feature is currently limited to transferring a user's chat history to the company's latest foldables, including the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Galaxy Z Flip 3. While it gives iPhone users another reason to jump ship and opt for its new foldable smartphones, the feature will also be coming to iOS devices and more phones running Android 10 and higher "soon."

To transfer data, users will need a USB-C-to-Lightning cable to connect both devices, instead of transferring data via the internet. Those with more than one cloud backup of their WhatsApp chat history should take note that not all backups will merge. Instead, the data transferred will overwrite the existing cloud backup.

The new feature has been a long-time coming, but WhatsApp has also been developing more features to keep up with its competition. Recently, it announced its "View Once" function that lets you send photos and videos that disappear; something Telegram and Signal offer, too.

While this makes it easier for iPhone users to switch to a Z Flip 3 or Z Fold 3, on the flip side, plenty of Android users will be able to switch to iOS devices without losing their valuable WhatsApp chat history. Thinking of making the switch? Check out why this seven-year Android user decided to switch to iPhone

Darragh Murphy
Editor

Darragh Murphy is fascinated by all things bizarre, which usually leads to assorted coverage varying from washing machines designed for AirPods to the mischievous world of cyberattacks. Whether it's connecting Scar from The Lion King to two-factor authentication or turning his love for gadgets into a fabricated rap battle from 8 Mile, he believes there’s always a quirky spin to be made. With a Master’s degree in Magazine Journalism from The University of Sheffield, along with short stints at Kerrang! and Exposed Magazine, Darragh started his career writing about the tech industry at Time Out Dubai and ShortList Dubai, covering everything from the latest iPhone models and Huawei laptops to massive Esports events in the Middle East. Now, he can be found proudly diving into gaming, gadgets, and letting readers know the joys of docking stations for Laptop Mag.