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Apple and Google Launch New Tool for Easy Photo Transfers from Google Photos to iCloud

Highlights

New tool enables direct transfer from Google Photos to iCloud
Photos and videos remain in Google Photos after transfer
Transfer time varies based on the size of the collection
Supports various formats including .webp

Apple and Google have created a new data migration tool that allows customers to migrate their Google Photos collections directly to iCloud Photos.

This endeavor is part of the Data Transfer Project, an open-source initiative aimed at easing data transfer between web platforms.

The new functionality, which will be available within the next week, complements a previously announced tool that permitted uploads from iCloud Photos to Google Photos.

In its blogpost the Data Transfer Project said, “Beginning today, Apple and Google are expanding on their direct data transfer offerings to allow users of Google Photos to transfer their collections directly to iCloud Photos. This complements and completes the existing transfers that were first made possible from iCloud Photos to Google Photos and fulfills a core Data Transfer Initiative (DTI) principle of reciprocity. The offering from Apple and Google will be rolling out over the next week and is the newest tool powered by the open source Data Transfer Project (DTP) technology stack, joining existing direct portability tools available to billions of people today offered by DTI and its founding partners Apple, Google, and Meta.”

Apple says: When you transfer photos and videos to iCloud Photos, they aren’t deleted from Google Photos. You don’t need to download your photos or videos to transfer them. The transfer happens directly from Google to iCloud. The transfer process might take between several hours and a few days, depending on the size of the photos and videos being transferred.

Apple has offered rules for the transfer procedure, making everything quite simple.

Here’s How to Transfer from Google Photos to iCloud

Google Photos has become a popular option even for Apple users

Photos and videos are not deleted from Google Photos during transfer
Direct transfer occurs from Google to iCloud without user downloads
Transfer time varies from hours to days, depending on collection size

To initiate a transfer

Transfer time varies based on the size of the collection

Visit Google Takeout
Follow export instructions for Google Photos
Select “Apple – iCloud Photos” as the destination
Sign in with Apple ID
Grant permission for Google to add content to iCloud

Common picture and video formats, including.webp, are supported by the service.

Whole libraries or individual albums may be transferred; originals stay in Google Photos unless they are removed manually.

This partnership comes after other digital behemoths have made comparable attempts, as with Meta’s service to move Facebook images to different platforms.

These kinds of efforts provide users more freedom to transition between phone ecosystems and preserve memories.

The creation of these tools is in line with legislative goals regarding data portability and platform compatibility.

It is an uncommon example of large tech businesses working together to prioritize consumer comfort and data ownership.

Both the Apple and Google websites offer thorough information regarding the transfer procedure, giving customers all the help they need to manage their picture collections across platforms.

FAQs

What is the new photo transfer tool by Apple and Google?

The new tool allows users to transfer their Google Photos collections directly to iCloud Photos, making it easier to switch between platforms.

How do I initiate a transfer from Google Photos to iCloud Photos?

To start the transfer, visit Google Takeout, follow the export instructions for Google Photos, select “Apple – iCloud Photos” as the destination, sign in with your Apple ID, and grant permission for Google to add content to iCloud.