Google has developed a new service that will significantly simplify the transfer of user data from Google Photos to Apple iCloud. The service is similar to the iCloud to Google Photos tool that was released by Apple in 2021 and allows you to transfer videos and images in the opposite direction.
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The development is part of the Data Transfer Project, an open initiative aimed at enabling the transfer of data between various online platforms. According to The Verge, support for transferring photos and videos from Google Photos to iCloud Photos will be rolled out over the next week.
The service will be available to users around the world in more than 240 countries and regions. However, it will not be available for children’s accounts or managed Apple ID accounts. The company also notes that it is not possible to import content into iCloud if Advanced Data Protection is activated.
The transfer process is quite simple. Users do not need to download photos or videos from Google Photos; the transfer is carried out directly from Google to iCloud. The time required for transfer can vary from several hours to several days depending on the volume of data.
To start the export process, you need to go to Google Takeout and follow the instructions. Next, in the service settings, you will need to select “Apple → iCloud Photos” as the destination and sign in using your Apple ID. After that, all you have to do is press the “Allow” button to give Google permission to add photos and videos to iCloud.
Apple and Google have published detailed instructions on their official websites to help users complete the data transfer.