Apple Puts To Rest Rumours That It Is Developing An iOS To Android Migration Tool

When it comes to Apple, there are always rumours swirling around on social media about what the tech giant is up to. The latest of these was that the Cupertino-based company was developing a tool to make it easier for users to shift data from iOS to Android. However, Apple was quick to officially deny the rumour saying that there was “no truth” to the statement.

Apple’s ecosystem has often been criticised for making migration to other operation systems near impossible by tying up user data within its parameters and making export difficult. The Telegraph, on Monday, had reported that under pressure from European mobile operators Apple had agreed to create a tool to facilitate this data shift.

It is interesting to note that Apple, in September 2015 had released a ‘Move to iOS’ app which makes it easier for customers transitioning from Android devices to iOS to transfer their data.

With regard to Apple’s competitive practices, the European Commission had launched an inquiry into the company’s contracts with telecom operators in 2013. However, this did not culminate into an all out investigation.

Allegedly, European telecom operators have been complaining that the difficulty of migrating out of Apple’s ecosystem puts Apple at a disproportionately advantageous place when it comes to contract negotiations.

Given the fact that in October 2015, CEO Tim Cook had claimed that 30% of new iPhone users for the fourth quarter were migrants from Android, the highest crossover the company has witnessed till date and the company’s history of competitive practices, it is unlikely that it will be considering making such a tool anytime soon.

Another rumour that has been going around for over a month, but has not been addressed by Apple, is that the upcoming model of the iPhone will do away with the headphone jack, combining the function with the lightning port. This has not been well received as it will make existing gadgets obsolete and will hit audio merchandise manufacturers who would have to pay Apple to include the lightning port technology on products.