Apple's first Android app, "Move to iOS", which lets users migrate mobile phone data to a new iOS device, is reportedly easy to use. However, tech enthusiasts warn against loss of data and other data transfer issues.
Following Apple's launch of "Move to iOS" Android app on Sept. 16, users affirm that the process of migrating data to an iPhone or iPad running on iOS 9 is relatively easy, albeit the loss of some data. According to Mac World, users should know which contents are transferred and where they get stored in the iOS device.
For instance, although there is an option to transfer all photos, some might be lost because of lack of space in the iOS device. Users need to check if all files they want to transfer are migrated into the device.
The app also transfers videos, calendars, message history and bookmarks. It would be ideal to move these data into an iOS device that has not been customized yet, according to tech fans. Otherwise, the settings or some data might be overwritten.
In essence, a user needs to set up the iPhone or iPad as a new device, where language and mobile network are selected as the first step. After this, a "Move from Android" option is displayed, asking users if they have an Android phone whose contents they want to transfer in the Apple device.
Once apps and data are selected, Apple provides a code for the Android device to enable data transfer. The user needs to enter this code on the Android device where the "Move to iOS" app is installed. Then users only need to track the data transferred to ensure that nothing is lost.
Once done, Apple displays a message offering users to recycle their Android phones for free.
Although particularly helpful to users ditching Android for iOS, a fair criticism of the app includes the lack of Material Design, according to The Verge. The app should still look like an Android app at the very least.
The app currently receives mixed reviews of both 5-star and 1-star ratings. Overall, its rating is 1.8, given mostly by loyal Android users who loathe the idea of switching from Android to iOS.