Switching from an iPhone to Android has always been a bit of a headache, but Google seems to be finding ways to make it less painful. The latest improvement? Support for transferring burst photos from iOS to Pixel devices. This update comes as part of the Android Switch app, letting users carry over all their rapid-fire shots without any hassle.
Burst photos are those quick series of shots your iPhone takes when you hold down the shutter button. They’re great for capturing action-packed moments or finding the perfect expression in a group photo. Until now, switching to Android meant leaving those bursts behind — or at least dealing with them as individual files, which is far from ideal. Google’s new feature changes that, ensuring your entire burst photo collection makes the jump intact.
Paul Dunlop, Google’s product lead for Android onboarding, announced the feature on Threads, confirming it’s already live for up-to-date Pixel devices. Whether you’re transferring via cable or Wi-Fi, your burst photos will arrive as stacks in Google Photos, as long as the stacking feature is enabled. While the way Apple Photos and Google Photos group these images isn’t identical, Dunlop assured users that the differences are minimal and shouldn’t disrupt the experience.
View on Threads
The new functionality is available during the initial setup of a Pixel device or through the Android Switch app. It’s a small addition, but one that clearly shows Google wants the switch from iPhones to Androids to be as seamless as possible. Memories matter, and being able to carry over those little details — like burst photos — can make switching feel less like a loss and more like a fresh start.
This feature is currently exclusive to Pixel devices. However, Google plans to expand its data transfer tools to other Android devices starting in 2025. This means that eventually, even non-Pixel Android phones might benefit from a similarly seamless photo migration process.
It’s worth noting that this update doesn’t solve every problem with switching platforms. Things like app data and certain custom settings are still challenging to transfer. But hopefully, this is a sign that things might slowly but surely start improving.
If you’ve been holding back from making the jump because you didn’t want to lose your perfectly timed burst shots, this might just be the push you needed. Feel free to share your thoughts on the new addition to the Android Switch app.
Dwayne Cubbins
717 Posts
For nearly a decade, I've been deciphering the complexities of the tech world, with a particular passion for helping users navigate the ever-changing tech landscape. From crafting in-depth guides that unlock your phone's hidden potential to uncovering and explaining the latest bugs and glitches, I make sure you get the most out of your devices. And yes, you might occasionally find me ranting about some truly frustrating tech mishaps.
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