Samsung’s One UI 8.5 Will Finally Allow eSIM Transfers from iPhone to Galaxy Phones

Transferring your digital SIM between devices has long been a sore spot for smartphone users – especially for those trying to switch ecosystems. But Samsung’s upcoming One UI 8.5 update could finally dissolve one of the last major barriers between iPhone and Android users. A leaked build of the software suggests that Samsung is introducing an option to migrate an eSIM directly from an iPhone to a Galaxy device without needing carrier assistance – a breakthrough that would make switching phones smoother than ever.

Until now, moving an eSIM between two Android devices was relatively simple, thanks to standardized tools developed over the past few years.

However, migrating from iOS to Android still required either carrier intervention or complete reactivation of the SIM profile, an inconvenience that discouraged users from switching. With One UI 8.5, that seems to be changing. Hidden strings in the build indicate Samsung will include a dedicated setup menu labeled “Transfer SIM from iPhone,” allowing users to directly import their number from Apple’s devices to compatible Galaxy phones. This kind of cross-platform compatibility has been long requested – and now it looks like Samsung is stepping up where others haven’t.

Beyond eSIM portability, One UI 8.5 is shaping up to be one of Samsung’s most intelligent and connectivity-focused updates. Reports indicate the addition of smarter Wi-Fi controls, including a Real-Time Data Priority Mode that ranks which apps get the fastest data access, along with AI-driven switching between Wi-Fi and cellular networks for optimal performance. Combined with the new eSIM migration tools, Samsung’s software refresh could redefine the transition experience between Apple and Android ecosystems – a move likely to push competitors to follow suit.

In essence, One UI 8.5 isn’t just a visual update; it’s a step toward a more unified mobile experience where users can switch devices freely, without worrying about network restrictions or SIM compatibility. That’s a future many users will welcome.