Home Microsoft Releases iPhone to Windows Phone App Migration Tool

Microsoft Releases iPhone to Windows Phone App Migration Tool

Microsoft announced today via its Windows Phone Developer Blog the release of a new tool designed to help developers migrate iPhone applications to the Windows Phone 7 platform. While Microsoft reminds developers that there’s “no magic wand that will do the work for you,” the new iPhone/iOS to Windows Phone 7 API mapping tool will make the process far less painful.

The API mapping tool is available at http://windowsphone.interoperabilitybridges.com, alongside a 90+ page white paper called “Windows Phone 7 Guide for iPhone Applications Developers.” The site also features videos of “developer stories” and a compilation of other resources developers need to get started.

Specifically, the API mapping tool functions something like a dictionary, says Microsoft, allowing developers to pick out their iOS API calls then look up the equivalent classes, methods and notification events in WP7. Developers can search a given iOS API call and find the equivalent WP7 along with C# sample codes and API documentations for both platforms, explains Microsoft’s JC Cimetiere in the blog post.

These code samples let developers migrate “short blobs” of iOS code to the equivalent C# code.

To start, there are three popular categories of iOS APIs that can be mapped with the tool: Network/Internet, User Interface and Data Management. There cannot be a mapping of all APIs, though, because the platforms are different architectures and have different UIs. However, Microsoft promises more APIs will be mapped soon.

Microsoft also says similar tools for Android are on their way, too.

About ReadWrite’s Editorial Process

The ReadWrite Editorial policy involves closely monitoring the tech industry for major developments, new product launches, AI breakthroughs, video game releases and other newsworthy events. Editors assign relevant stories to staff writers or freelance contributors with expertise in each particular topic area. Before publication, articles go through a rigorous round of editing for accuracy, clarity, and to ensure adherence to ReadWrite's style guidelines.

Get the biggest tech headlines of the day delivered to your inbox

    By signing up, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy. Unsubscribe anytime.

    Tech News

    Explore the latest in tech with our Tech News. We cut through the noise for concise, relevant updates, keeping you informed about the rapidly evolving tech landscape with curated content that separates signal from noise.

    In-Depth Tech Stories

    Explore tech impact in In-Depth Stories. Narrative data journalism offers comprehensive analyses, revealing stories behind data. Understand industry trends for a deeper perspective on tech's intricate relationships with society.

    Expert Reviews

    Empower decisions with Expert Reviews, merging industry expertise and insightful analysis. Delve into tech intricacies, get the best deals, and stay ahead with our trustworthy guide to navigating the ever-changing tech market.