Apple is launching a new tool which is designed to make it easy for you to transfer your iCloud photos to another service like Google Photos.
The new service will not remove your photos and videos from iCloud, instead it will copy them to Google Photos.
You can request to transfer a copy of photos and videos you store in iCloud Photos to Google Photos. Transferring photos and videos from iCloud Photos doesn’t remove or alter the content you store with Apple, but sends a copy of your content to the other service.
The transfer process takes between three and seven days. We use this time to verify that the request was made by you, and to make the transfer.
How to Initiate the Transfer
To initiate the transfer, you need to log into your Apple ID account and navigate to the data and privacy section. From there, you can select the option to transfer a copy of your data. You will be prompted to sign into your Google account to authorize the transfer. Once authorized, Apple will begin the process of copying your photos and videos to Google Photos.
It is important to note that the transfer process can take between three and seven days. This time frame allows Apple to verify that the request was indeed made by you and to ensure the security of your data during the transfer. During this period, you will receive updates on the status of your transfer via email.
Availability and Limitations
This new service is available in the US, UK, Australia, Canada, the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, New Zealand, Norway, and Switzerland initially. Apple plans to expand the availability of this service to more countries in the future.
While this tool is incredibly useful, there are some limitations to be aware of. For instance, certain formats and metadata may not transfer over. Live Photos, some RAW files, and other specific formats might not be fully compatible with Google Photos. Additionally, any albums or organizational structures you have set up in iCloud Photos may not be replicated in Google Photos.
Another point to consider is storage space. Google Photos offers 15GB of free storage, but if your iCloud library exceeds this limit, you may need to purchase additional storage from Google to accommodate all your photos and videos.
Benefits of Using the Transfer Tool
The primary benefit of this new tool is the ease and convenience it offers. Instead of manually downloading and re-uploading your photos and videos, which can be time-consuming and cumbersome, this automated process simplifies the task.
Moreover, having a copy of your photos and videos in Google Photos provides an additional layer of backup. In case something happens to your iCloud account, you will still have access to your precious memories in Google Photos.
This tool also makes it easier for users who are transitioning from an Apple ecosystem to an Android one. By having their photos and videos readily available in Google Photos, the transition becomes smoother and less stressful.
Apple’s new tool for transferring iCloud photos to Google Photos is a welcome addition for users looking for flexibility and convenience. By allowing users to easily copy their media files to another service, Apple is providing a valuable option for those who want to ensure their memories are safely backed up or who are transitioning to a different platform.
For more details on how to use this new service, you can visit Apple’s official support page linked below.
Source Apple
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