Apple denies plans for "Move to Android" app
Tech giant thwarts rumours it would bow to pressure from mobile operators
Apple has denied reports that it is planning to launch a new "Move to Android" that would make it easier for iPhone users to switch to Android.
A statement from Apple spokeswoman Trudy Miller to Buzzfeed read: "There is no truth in this rumor. We are entirely focused on switching users from Android to iPhone, and that is going great."
Reports about the rumour suggested Apple was creating the app following pressure from EU telecom operators, who claimed that the difficulty in switching has led to fewer users leaving iPhone for Android, and thus negatively impacted contractual negotiations with Apple, as reported by 9to5Mac.
The new feature, similar to the "Move from Android" tool that exists, would have allowed users to quickly transfer data such as documents, photos and contacts over to their new Android device from iOS.
Angry Android phone users gave the existing "Move to iOS" app poor ratings on the Google Play store.
Last year, Gartner unveiled research indicating that Android vendors would soon start to lose more and more of their users to Apple due to a lack of value on offer.
Research director Roberta Cozza said at the time: "Android vendors at the high end are finding it hard to differentiate and add value beyond technology and features. Furthermore, Apple's brand clout ecosystem alongside the new large-screen iPhone models are strong alternatives."
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In addition, according to figures from an earnings call in Q4 2015, Apple welcomed the highest ever number of Android switchers last year, with 30 per cent of new customers coming from the rival service.
Caroline has been writing about technology for more than a decade, switching between consumer smart home news and reviews and in-depth B2B industry coverage. In addition to her work for IT Pro and Cloud Pro, she has contributed to a number of titles including Expert Reviews, TechRadar, The Week and many more. She is currently the smart home editor across Future Publishing's homes titles.
You can get in touch with Caroline via email at caroline.preece@futurenet.com.
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