
iOS 19 May Finally Let You Transfer Your iPhone’s eSIM to an Android Phone
Apple could be preparing to knock down one of the last big walls in the mobile world—transferring your eSIM from an iPhone to an Android device. iPhone eSIM transfer to Android
According to recent findings in the Google SIM Manager app, iOS 19 might include support for this long-awaited feature.
A Step Toward Greater eSIM Flexibility
Up until now, switching between ecosystems has been a hassle for eSIM users. While moving an eSIM between iPhones is relatively seamless, Apple has never officially supported transferring an iPhone eSIM to an Android device. That meant travelers, business users, or anyone switching platforms had to deactivate their plan and request a new QR code from their carrier, assuming the carrier supported eSIM at all.
But that may soon change.
What the Google SIM Manager Leak Reveals
Tech sleuths digging into the latest update of Google’s SIM Manager app—software used by Android to handle embedded SIM profiles—have spotted references to “iOS to Android eSIM transfer” functionality. The feature appears to pave the way for a smoother cross-platform eSIM migration, likely utilizing GSMA’s eSIM Transfer protocol, which allows secure and direct eSIM profile transfers between devices.
If Apple is collaborating—or at least opening the door to standardization—it would mark a major shift in its approach to interoperability.
Why This Matters for Travelers and Digital Nomads
For international travelers, eSIMs are a game-changer. They eliminate the need to hunt for a physical SIM card abroad and make it easier to hop between networks and countries. But many users hesitate to invest in eSIMs because switching devices—especially from iOS to Android—meant starting from scratch.
If iOS 19 really does enable eSIM transfers to Android, it would simplify device upgrades and travel planning. You could activate an eSIM on your iPhone before your trip, then pop it over to a dual-SIM Android phone with better battery life or local 5G compatibility for the destination.
What to Expect in iOS 19
Apple hasn’t confirmed this functionality yet, but if the leaks are accurate, it could appear in iOS 19 developer betas as early as this summer, with a public release expected in September 2025.
The inclusion of such a feature would not only be a win for users but also a nudge for more global carriers to adopt standardized eSIM protocols—a key step for smoother roaming and connectivity experiences worldwide.
Bottom Line about iPhone eSIM transfer to Android
Transferring an eSIM from an iPhone to an Android device has been a long-standing pain point. But iOS 19 could change that. If the rumors based on Google’s SIM Manager update are true, Apple might finally allow users to take their eSIM plans across platforms—a significant leap for user freedom, international travelers, and the broader eSIM ecosystem.