Help! What Will Happen to My App When Xamarin Support Ends This Month

We've had several clients ask us about the fate of their Xamarin apps now support for Xamarin.Forms has ended (LTS ended May 2024). Common questions include whether these apps will be removed from app stores and if they can still be updated. Since the documentation can be hard to navigate, especially for those not deeply entrenched in the mobile ecosystem, here's a clear explanation.

Your Apps Will Remain in the App Stores

Rest assured, your apps will continue to be available in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store after May 2024. They won’t be removed, and they will function as they currently do. However, if your apps are critical to your business or you need to keep them updated, you’ll need to take action soon (more on this below).

Updates Are Possible, but Only Temporarily

Post-May 2024, you will still be able to update your apps, but only for a limited period.

• iOS: You can build the last supported version of Xamarin with Xcode 15 and upload it to the store as long as Xcode 15 is supported. Given current trends, Xcode 15 will likely be the minimum version supported by April 2024, and Xcode 16 by April 2025. After this point, updates will no longer be possible.
• Android: A similar situation applies. You can build apps for Android 13, which should be releasable until around August 2024.

Potential Issues with New Bugs

Be aware that any new bugs or issues with Xamarin after May 2024 won’t be fixed. If a new issue affects your app, you won’t be able to resolve it. While the risk is relatively low, a significant example could be a mandatory security fix by Apple or Google. Such a scenario could prevent app updates if the fix isn’t integrated into Xamarin.

Long-term Viability of Your App

If no updates are necessary, your app could continue to function for several years. However, both Apple and Google occasionally mandate updates to keep apps in their stores. If this happens, they'll typically provide reasonable notice, but failure to comply will result in your app being removed. To maintain your app in the store, you’d need to recreate it using a different framework.

What Steps to Take Now

Your actions depend on your app's functionality:

• Business-Critical Apps or Those Requiring Updates: You need to migrate to a new framework as soon as possible. This transition can be significant and risky, so immediate action is crucial. Migrating to MAUI (Microsoft's successor to Xamarin) is a recommended option. MAUI offers enhanced features and a smoother transition for those already familiar with Xamarin, making it an excellent choice for updating and maintaining your apps.
• Non-Critical Apps That Don’t Require Updates: These can remain as they are, continuing to function until they are eventually phased out.

Need Assistance?

If you need help determining the impact on your apps and the necessary steps, please contact us. At EJ Software, we specialize in managing these transitions smoothly. Book a call with us today to ensure the seamless continuation of your services. Let's discuss how to secure the future of your apps!