Samsung’s One UI promises to solve one of the biggest problems when switching phones

Switching from iPhone to Android could finally stop feeling like a trip to the local government office. Samsung’s new interface, One UI 8.5, natively integrates a feature that could make switching phones much easier, even when moving from an iPhone to an Android device. All without calling your carrier, requesting a QR code by email, or praying to a technical support agent.

We explain how this new feature works, when you will be able to try it, which devices support it, and what else is coming with the new One UI 8.5.

eSIMs that transfer by themselves: Samsung’s new bet

The idea is to make switching phones less of a painful process. The new feature in Samsung’s One UI 8.5 is called “Transfer eSIM from iPhone” and it does exactly that: it transfers your eSIM natively from iPhone to Samsung. No mobile carriers, no support agents, and no QR codes.

The feature will appear during the initial setup of a Samsung device running One UI 8.5, helping speed up the process of moving to a new mobile device.

The main precedent for this advance, and the foundation Samsung used to implement this feature, is the recent collaboration between Apple and Google, which had already introduced a direct transfer system between iOS 26 and Android 16 for North American mobile carriers.

Another step in the master plan

Of course, this step is just one more chapter in Samsung’s plan to make switching to its mobile phones easier. The Korean giant has spent years trying to simplify the move from iPhone to Galaxy. Smart Switch already moves photos, chats, and settings with relative ease, but eSIM was still one piece of the puzzle that had not yet been solved.

The One UI 8.5 update also includes other improvements focused on connectivity and mobility, such as:

• Smart switching between Wi-Fi and mobile data using AI.
• New Quick Share features.
• Improvements to network management.

When will One UI 8.5 arrive?

Samsung confirmed that the official rollout of One UI 8.5 began on May 6 and will gradually expand to other markets over the coming weeks.

The update will first reach the latest premium models, including the Galaxy S25 series, Galaxy S24, and the latest-generation Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip foldables, before being extended to other compatible devices.

The new version will be available to download via OTA (Over The Air), directly from the phone’s update menu, with no need for external software.

In addition to the long-awaited native eSIM transfer between iPhone and Galaxy, One UI 8.5 includes connectivity improvements, new Galaxy AI-powered features, and smoother integration between Samsung devices.

Samsung is betting big on eSIM

eSIM is becoming one of the pillars of modern mobile phones, and Samsung does not want to be left behind. With One UI 8.5, the South Korean brand wants to make using a virtual SIM as simple as switching Wi-Fi networks.

This move also reflects a broader trend in the industry. Apple has already removed the physical SIM tray from some iPhone models sold in the United States, while Android is moving toward increasingly automated transfer systems that work across brands.

Other new features coming with One UI 8.5

Native eSIM transfer is not the only new feature in One UI 8.5. The update also includes:

• A more customizable quick settings panel
• New system animations.
• A visual redesign with 3D icons and smoother effects.

Samsung has also updated apps such as Phone and My Files to make them cleaner and faster to use.

At the same time, the company has strengthened Galaxy AI features with tools such as AI-powered audio cleanup, text-based photo editing, smart call filtering, and improvements to Quick Share for sharing files between devices.

There are also small changes designed for everyday use - and for people who are practically glued to their phones while working or traveling - such as a scientific calculator in portrait mode, new multitasking options, and smarter network and battery management.