Google and Apple have announced a new tool that will allow users to seamlessly transfer images from Google Photos to iCloud. This tool is part of the Data Transfer Initiative (DTI) and will be integrated into Google Takeout’s export options. The announcement was first reported by 9to5Mac.
The new tool is set to be rolled out over the next week and will automate the transfer process from Google Photos to iCloud. Users will not need to download, upload, or take any additional steps beyond initiating the process on the web. According to an Apple support page, the transfer could take several hours to a few days to complete, depending on the size of the transfer.
It is important to note that transferring pictures from Google to iCloud will not delete them from Google Photos. Users will need to manually delete them if they wish to do so. Additionally, the service will not be available for child accounts, Managed Apple ID accounts, or iCloud accounts with Advanced Data Protection enabled.
This new tool follows the launch of a similar tool in 2021 that allows users to transfer images from iCloud to Google Photos. The Data Transfer Initiative was established in 2023 as a collaboration between Apple, Google, and Meta. Officially, it was created to support the goals of the open-source Data Transfer Project (DTP), which was initiated five years prior. Unofficially, it is worth noting that the launch of the DTI coincided with the European Commission’s naming of “gatekeepers” under the Digital Markets Act, and the goals of the DTI seem to align with the regulations set by the governing body.
While the tool is not yet available, users will be able to initiate the transfer process through Google Takeout once it is live. In the meantime, users can refer to the instructions provided by Google and Apple for more details on the process.
