Samsung is quietly working on something that could make life a lot easier for anyone switching from an iPhone to a Galaxy smartphone. The company’s upcoming One UI 8.5 update is expected to introduce a direct eSIM transfer tool, allowing users to move their eSIM profile from an iPhone straight to a Samsung device — no carrier calls, no waiting, no paperwork.

This might sound like a small tweak, but in the world of mobile connectivity, it’s a big deal. For years, transferring eSIMs between platforms — especially from iOS to Android — has been notoriously painful. Now, Samsung seems ready to break down that barrier.

eSIM Transfers: The Missing Piece in Switching Ecosystems

At the moment, moving an eSIM from an iPhone to a Galaxy phone in the US typically involves contacting your carrier, verifying details, and waiting for them to reissue a QR code. It’s slow, outdated, and often discourages users from switching ecosystems altogether.

According to Android Authority, a leaked build of One UI 8.5 revealed a new setup screen with a split option under “Transfer SIM from another device.” The choices? “Transfer SIM from Galaxy/Android” and “Transfer SIM from iPhone.”

That second one changes everything. With it, Samsung is clearly taking aim at one of Apple’s last ecosystem lock-ins — eSIM portability.

What’s Known So Far

While Samsung hasn’t officially announced the update, the leaked feature indicates that One UI 8.5 will allow direct eSIM transfers between devices, bypassing the need for carrier involvement.

Industry insiders expect support for major US carriers, including Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile — the same trio that currently supports iOS-to-Pixel eSIM transfers. If this proves true, iPhone users moving to Galaxy devices in the US will be able to make the jump in just a few taps.

That’s an important move, especially as Samsung continues to position itself as the most user-friendly Android brand for switchers coming from Apple.

Beta and Rollout Timeline

Samsung hasn’t kicked off beta testing for One UI 8.5 yet, but sources close to the company suggest that testing could begin within the next month. A stable rollout will likely arrive around the launch of the Galaxy S26 series, expected early next year.

Beyond the eSIM transfer tool, One UI 8.5 is rumored to include a handful of other AI-driven updates — including automatic call screening and AI-generated notification summaries, similar to what Google has been rolling out in recent Android builds.

In short, One UI 8.5 isn’t just a cosmetic update — it’s shaping up to be a connectivity-focused release that puts usability front and center.

Why This Matters for the eSIM Market

The timing couldn’t be better. eSIM adoption is finally taking off, driven by Apple’s move to eSIM-only iPhones globally and the growing support from telecom operators worldwide. Google has already introduced eSIM transfer support between Pixel and iPhone, and smaller Android OEMs like Nothing and Motorola are following suit.

However, Samsung’s entry into this space carries more weight. As the world’s largest Android manufacturer, its support for cross-platform eSIM transfers could accelerate mainstream adoption — not just in the US, but globally.

Carriers, meanwhile, might find themselves forced to adapt. The less friction there is in transferring mobile profiles, the less control operators have over the switching process — and that’s exactly what consumers want.

The Bigger Picture

What we’re seeing here isn’t just a software tweak—it’s part of a larger industry shift toward full eSIM portability. Apple made the bold first move by eliminating the SIM tray from its US iPhone lineup. Google followed with its seamless eSIM transfer tool. Now Samsung is catching up, effectively closing the gap between the major mobile ecosystems.

This change signals the end of SIM-based loyalty barriers. When switching networks or phones becomes as easy as signing into an account, users will prioritize value, coverage, and flexibility over legacy carrier constraints.

Conclusion: Samsung’s Smart Play in the eSIM Era

Samsung’s One UI 8.5 update could mark a real turning point for Android users and the broader eSIM landscape. While Apple and Google have already set the stage, Samsung’s involvement will make this technology mainstream.

In a market increasingly driven by connectivity convenience, Samsung’s move feels both strategic and inevitable. It reinforces the brand’s push toward smarter, simpler, and more open experiences—something today’s travelers, digital nomads, and frequent switchers are asking for.

If One UI 8.5 delivers what leaks suggest, Samsung won’t just make switching easier—it’ll help redefine what seamless connectivity really means in 2025.