Samsung is working to make eSIM transfers from iPhone to Galaxy phones much easier
Switching smartphones has become simpler over the years, but moving an eSIM between Android and iPhone devices still often requires contacting your carrier. Samsung may soon change that with a new feature reportedly coming to One UI 8.5.
eSIM transfers could get seamless on Galaxy devices
According to code discovered by Android Authority in a leaked One UI 8.5 build, Samsung is developing a tool that will allow users to transfer an eSIM from an iPhone to a Galaxy phone directly. A leaked screenshot also revealed a revamped onboarding process, showing clearer options for transferring eSIMs from either Android devices or iPhones.
In current One UI 8 builds, Samsung only offers a single “transfer from another phone” option during setup. The updated One UI 8.5 version breaks this down into two distinct buttons — one for Android and one for iPhone — indicating a more guided migration process between ecosystems.
Possibly part of One UI 8.5 beta
Reports suggest that Samsung’s One UI 8.5 beta program could begin next month, though it’s unclear if this eSIM transfer feature will be available during the test phase or reserved for the stable release. That public rollout is expected to debut alongside the Galaxy S26 series early next year.
Following Google’s lead
Google already provides a similar capability, allowing users to move eSIM profiles from iPhones to Pixel devices — currently supported by Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile in the U.S. While Samsung has yet to officially confirm details about One UI 8.5 or its eSIM plans, it would make sense for the company to mirror Google’s approach and offer the same carrier compatibility.
A long-overdue convenience
Ever since eSIM technology arrived, it has promised to make switching networks and devices simpler — but the experience has often fallen short of that goal. Unlike a physical SIM card, transferring an eSIM can still require carrier involvement and manual steps. Samsung’s upcoming feature could finally deliver on eSIM’s original promise of convenience and flexibility — no carrier calls required.
If Samsung pulls this off, managing your eSIM between devices might finally become as simple as tapping a button.
