Xamarin Support is Over: What’s Next?

Xamarin has long been a trusted tool for developing cross-platform mobile apps, enabling developers to build iOS and Android applications with a shared C# codebase. This platform simplified the development process, saving time and resources. However, the landscape is shifting; Microsoft officially ended support for Xamarin in May 2024, marking a transition to .NET Multi-platform App UI (MAUI) as the new industry standard.

It’s time to evaluate your options and future-proof your app. In this article, we’ll explore what Xamarin’s end of life means for you and how to confidently navigate this crucial turning point.

Why Do You Need to Migrate Your App Built in Xamarin?

If your mobile application was built with Xamarin.Native or Xamarin.Forms, the end of technical support directly affects you. Xamarin apps continue to work but they are limited to Android API 34 and Xcode 15 SDK, covering Android 14 and iOS 17. Unfortunately, as Android and iOS release future updates, your app could face critical issues. You may experience functionality breakdowns and security vulnerabilities.

Your product will also stop being compliant with app store requirements. For Android, stricter compliance standards are expected in August 2025. While Apple hasn’t announced an exact date for iOS, past trends suggest updates might be blocked as soon as April 2025. This means you need a plan to keep your app functional, secure, and accessible to users.

Why Do Android SDK or Xcode Versions Matter?

The Android SDK and Xcode are essential development tools used to create, test, and update applications for Android and iOS devices. They provide the libraries, APIs, and simulators needed by developers to ensure functionality and compatibility with the latest operating systems.

Aligning apps with supported SDK versions is critical. Both Google Play Store and Apple App Store require apps to meet certain compatibility standards for updates or new applications. This does not always mean using the latest version but meeting the minimum requirements set by the app stores. If you fail to meet these requirements, your app may be rejected or removed from the store.

What Does That Mean?

Your Xamarin-based app may still need updates or further development to meet the users’ demands. However, you won’t be able to improve or maintain your product in the app stores anymore. The customers will see:

• no bug fixes,
• no new features,
• no security updates.

Meanwhile, the end of support for Xamarin does not mean that your mobile product will disappear from app stores in 2025. It won’t be immediately removed but may become obsolete or incompatible with newer devices and operating systems.

Don’t have a dedicated development team in your company? Don’t worry! At Applandeo, we will guide you through the migration process, ensuring that you choose the right technology and stay on track.

Complete the form below, and our expert will reach out to you. We’ll discuss your needs and find the best solutions for your business together!

I’m Not Planning Any Updates – Does This Issue Still Concern Me?

Yes, it does. Even if you don’t plan to upgrade now, unforeseen problems or new store policies may force you to act. As Xamarin support has ended, you will be unable to fix or maintain your application in the future.

App issues on new systems.

Think about mobile app compliance on new systems. An app built for an older version of Android might still work on the latest system, but there’s always a risk of something breaking. While developers can usually address such problems by upgrading and releasing a new app version, the challenge lies in submitting the update to the store. If your app is built with Xamarin, this process will soon become impossible.

Policy changes in app stores.

The inability to share an updated app will make it harder for you to maintain compliance with policies in application stores. As part of the recent revisions, all mobile apps must be equipped with the option to delete user accounts along with data. If you can’t provide an updated product version due to a lack of Xamarin support, your app may be harder to find in the store. After that, the product will be removed, and the developer’s account may be suspended.

So, What’s Next?

You can choose native app development or switch to another cross platform framework like Flutter. But you need to keep in mind that rewriting an app comes not only with plenty of benefits but also with some challenges. These include:

• The risk of missing the deadline – You need to follow OS updates during the migration process to make important changes or fix possible bugs before releasing the application. If you skip this step, you may lead to service disruptions or lose critical app functionalities.
• High costs – Writing an Xamarin-based app from scratch comes with an investment of significant costs and resources due to the complex development process.

What If These Challenges Are Unacceptable? Is There a Way to Avoid Them?

In the following paragraphs, we’ll explore some alternative solutions that can help you build apps with limited time and budget. However, if you’ve weighed all the pros and cons and decided to rewrite your app, check out our in-depth article comparing native and cross-platform apps. Learn six real-world examples that will help you match the approach to your situation: Cross Platform vs. Native Mobile Development.

What Comes After Xamarin: Microsoft’s Answer

Are you in a situation where you don’t have enough budget or time for app rewriting? You don’t have to say goodbye to your idea app. Xamarin is not disappearing from the Microsoft ecosystem—it’s evolving. Xamarin.iOS and Xamarin.Android are changing to .NET for iOS and .NET for Android, fully integrated with the .NET environment. In contrast, Xamarin.Forms is being replaced by a brand-new cross platform framework called MAUI (Multi-platform App UI).

MAUI, .NET for iOS, and .NET for Android bring a breath of fresh air to the group of cross platform solutions. What are their distinctive features?

• The same programming language – The code is created in C#, the language you’re already familiar with in your current Xamarin app.
• Library support – Libraries are ready-made code snippets from external sources that help developers add features faster. Many libraries that worked with Xamarin have already been updated for the new .NET ecosystem, so you won’t have to rebuild everything from scratch.
• Code reusability – While some adjustments will be needed, a large part of your existing codebase can remain unchanged, reducing the time needed to write code.

Would you like to stick with Microsoft technology? The solution you choose will depend, for example, if your existing product was built with Xamarin.Native or Xamarin.forms. Check out what else you need to focus on.

Migrating Xamarin.Native to .NET for Android and .NET for iOS

What are the pros and cons of switching from Xamarin.Native to .NET for iOS/Android? Check out all the benefits and drawbacks before you decide.

As you consider the advantages and disadvantages, keep in mind the possible risks you may encounter if you decide to migrate from Xamarin.Native to .NET for Android/iOS. These include:

• Limited community support – This migration path isn’t as popular as others. Finding ready-made solutions or advice for specific technical issues may be troublesome. However, since these technologies are part of the Microsoft .NET ecosystem, you can lean on a community and resources for guidance.
• Framework maintenance mode – If your app relies on older frameworks, like MVVMCross, these are now in “maintenance mode.” While they still receive updates, they are no longer actively developed or optimized. To future-proof your app and ensure it aligns with modern .NET practices, Microsoft recommends moving to the MVVM Community Toolkit. This move provides access to modern features and ensures your app benefits from ongoing support and improvements.

Migrating to .NET MAUI (Multi-platform App UI)

Does the migration to .NET Multi-platform App UI have only good points? Check out what you should pay attention to before moving your application to MAUI.

Migrating to .NET MAUI also comes with one fundamental challenge. It is:

• Relatively young technology – .NET MAUI is still a fresh framework. Only with the recent release of .NET 8 has it become more stable and reliable. There’s still a chance of encountering unexpected issues or bugs during development. The MAUI community is not as large or experienced as those supporting Flutter, React Native, or native app development. Programmers may need to spend more time finding solutions or creating workarounds, which could impact project timeline and budget.

Which Solution Is Right for You?

Choosing the right option can be difficult, so we have prepared a simple chart to help you decide. Remember that all arguments in the table are simplified. Each product has its own quirks. Before you start planning your timeline and budget, consult a specialist to assess the complexity of your application.

Hint: You can use AI tools to help you migrate your old code to the new tool. However, this requires uploading the original code to services such as OpenAI, which many consider unacceptable.

The table presents Xamarin migration options. Find the right solution for your app.

Summary

The end of Xamarin support is a turning point for businesses relying on this platform. While the shift can seem daunting, it’s also an opportunity to upgrade your app and embrace the latest technologies. Whether you rebuild your app natively, explore other cross-platform tools, or adopt .NET MAUI, the decision should align with your app’s complexity, available resources, and long-term goals.

For a future-proof solution, .NET MAUI stands out as a modern, scalable, and actively supported framework that simplifies app maintenance. However, no matter your path, planning is essential to avoid disruptions and maintain a competitive edge in the ever-evolving digital market.

At Applandeo, we provide secure migration solutions tailored to your needs. Whether you need expert guidance, help integrating AI, or support through the transition, we’re here to make the process seamless and secure.

Contact us today to explore the best development path for your app!