Android: Google may allow iPhone-like cross-device integration on Android: What it means for users

Apple devices connected with the same Apple ID can seamlessly communicate with each other. iPhone users also get access to Continuity features like Handoff, Sidecar, Universal Clipboard, and even call continuity on other Apple devices as well. Google, is now planning to bring similar features to Androidsmartphones. This feature will allow Android users to link their devices together.

According to a post on X shared by Android researcher Mishaal Rahman, Google may soon allow users to link their devices that are signed into the same Google account. This linking will enable Android users to access features like call switching. The call-switching feature allows users to switch between the linked devices for calls.
The upcoming Android linking feature may also help users with “Internet sharing”. This feature is expected to offer users an easier mechanism to set up and use a personal hotspot across their devices.

How this feature may work
According to a report by Android Authority, the Settings menu in Android phones may include a new “Link Your Devices” option. This option is expected to be placed inside the Devices & Sharing section of the Google option in the Settings menu.
The report also claimed that this feature is expected to roll out through Google Play Services. Android devices with the Google Play Store app are likely to receive this feature when it rolls out.
Apple uses a similar feature for its devices
Apple devices that are signed in with the same Apple ID, can use a feature called “iPhone Mobile Calls.” With this feature, users can make and receive phone calls from their Mac or iPad. However, to access this feature, users need to ensure that their devices are connected to the same network as the iPhone.

To compare, this feature cannot be accessed on other iPhones. The report notes that Google has suggested that the call continuity feature is likely to be extended to other Android phones as well. So, if users are carrying two Android phones with them, they can take the same call on both phones once the feature rolls out.
How to use this on Apple devices
For this feature to work, users need to connect their Apple devices to the same Wi-Fi network and need to have FaceTime enabled on each device. iPhone users can then enable the feature on their smartphones by going to Settings > Phone > Calls on Other Devices > Allow Calls on Other Devices.
Users also need to enable the feature on their iPads and Macs using the same steps. Once enabled, this feature will send a notification popup to the other devices whenever users get a phone call on their iPhones. Users will also be able to pick up calls from iPads and Macs.