Google is developing a new app for iOS to ease the transition from iPhones to Android-based phones, according to 9to5Google.
The tech rumours website, which has a sister site called 9to5Mac dedicated to Apple, decompiles apps to see lines of code that can hint to new features.
After doing it with the newest version of the official Data Restore Tool app from the Playstore, it found code hinting increased functionality may be coming soon.
And while there are no guarantees these features will ever see the light of day, providing an easier way of migrating more data to Android may make it more likely users will consider moving from iPhones.
Currently anyone wanting to migrate has to upload all their data to their Google Drive before downloading it to the new phone.
While that takes care of precious photographs and other data, it means apps that are available on both platforms aren't transferred.
The new process, 9to5Google notes, is likely to take the form of WiFi hotspot transfer rather than via a cable.
And the altering of words in the code indicates the direct transfer of apps could be possible.
The previous code said "To transfer iCloud® contacts, device contacts, and iMessage® messages, you’ll need to remove device management on your iPhone® device," with no mention of apps.
The new version does, saying "To transfer apps, iCloud® contacts, device contacts, and iMessage® messages, you’ll need to remove device management on your iPhone®."
This wording change is replicated in other areas of code, 9to5Google notes.
Apple has had Android app 'Move to iOS' which handles data transfer the other way since 2015.
