Apple and Google Photos.
Apple and Google have announced a new tool to import photos from Google Photos to iCloud Photos on Apple platforms. Here’s how to use it.
Google had already announced a tool to transfer Google Photos to iCloud in 2021. However, the new Google tools foresee closer cooperation between the two companies to simplify transfers.
It is not only suitable for photos. Videos can also be included in the transmission.
There are some limitations when transferring photos to Apple’s iCloud. It doesn’t work with managed Apple accounts or when the enhanced privacy feature is enabled.
Transfer details
To use Photo Transfer to iCloud, both iCloud Photos and iCloud Drive must be enabled in your device’s Settings app. Also, make sure your iCloud Drive has enough free space to receive the photos you want to transfer.
According to Apple, the transfer between the two services is seamless and does not require manual downloading of photos. Any photos transferred from Google Photos remain in that service after copies of them are transferred to iCloud.
Apple also points out that for very large file sizes or a large number of photos, the transfer may take several hours to several Days. Be prepared for a long wait.
To start a photo transfer from Google Photos to iCloud, follow these steps:
- Go to the Google Photos Takeout transfer page
- Click Continue and follow the instructions
- Select “Apple – iCloud Photos” as the destination
- Sign in to your Apple account if you haven’t already.
- Click or tap Allow Authorize release
Once these steps are completed, the transfer will begin silently in the background.
Full Guide
Both Apple and Google have published detailed instructions on how to perform the transfer; Apple’s technical note is number HT213483.
Apple also has a technical note on how to transfer in the other direction – from iCloud to another service.
The DTI is an interesting collaboration because one problem with using Big Tech cloud services is interoperability. The DTI promises to make exchanges between services easier and more automatic, which is much needed.
Transferring photos between services is certainly a big step in the right direction.
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