WhatsApp appeared at the Samsung Unpacked event, revealing that it will soon be possible to transfer conversations between iOS and Android devices, starting with Samsung Galaxy phones.
If there’s one feature that WhatsApp users are clamoring for, it’s the ability to transfer data between iOS and Android smartphones. Although this feature has recently appeared in Google’s “Data Restore Tool” application, Samsung has just formalized its arrival at its Unpacked conference.
Facebook, owner of WhatsApp, must think that many iPhone users will swap their smartphones for one of Samsung’s new folding devices announced yesterday, the Galaxy Z Flip3 and Galaxy Z Fold3. In 2020, for example, we know that 26% of iPhone users switched to Android.
Which elements can transfer the new WhatsApp functionality?
The new functionality of WhatsApp will allow transfer chat histories using a Lightning cable to physical USB-C instead of sending them over the Internet. The transfer also includes photos and voice memos, and should reach all Samsung smartphone users in the ” next weeks “ However, we still don’t know when it will be available from other manufacturers.
The transfer should be very easy if you switch from an iPhone to a Samsung smartphone as it is compatible with the Smart Switch app, the equivalent of Mi Mover by Xiaomi or OnePlus Switch. Until now, Smart Switch has helped users transfer contacts, photos, music, messages, notes or even calendars to Samsung Galaxy devices. Now the app will also transfer your WhatsApp chat history.
This new feature should help resolve one of the most frustrating things about WhatsApp, which is that it was never officially possible to transfer your chat history between different mobile operating systems. In fact, WhatsApp said thatsuch a feature was difficult to implement. due to ” end-to-end encryption WhatsApp offers. Once it is fully deployed, it is expected that it will also be possible in the future to transfer conversations from an Android smartphone to an iPhone.
Source: Android Central