In October 2022, Microsoft announced that Xamarin and Xamarin.Forms apps will no longer be supported after May 1, 2024, which is just eight months from the writing of this post. The reason for this deadline is that Xamarin is being replaced by its successor technology, .NET MAUI.

What Happens if You Do Nothing?

Most likely, your Xamarin apps will continue working for a few months after that date. However, starting on May 1, Apple will require that updates to any apps be built with their latest SDKs, versions that will not be supported by older versions of Xamarin (but are supported by .NET MAUI). And Google will likely do the same at a later date. This is why you’ll have to upgrade to .NET MAUI before you can make even the smallest update or fix to your app and release it to the store.

Several months later, the app stores will likely start to remove apps that haven’t been updated to their latest SDKs, meaning your Xamarin app that hasn’t been updated to .NET MAUI will be delisted.

Upgrade Path: Xamarin Native Apps

For businesses with Xamarin Native apps, the migration to .NET for iOS and .NET for Android can be a shorter effort than that required from Xamarin.Forms apps. To assist with this, Trailhead Technology Partners offers a structured approach, starting with a thorough analysis of your existing Xamarin Native app.

Our experienced mobile developers can then refactor and adapt your codebase to the latest versions of .NET, optimizing performance, and leveraging any new .NET MAUI features. Throughout the migration process, we prioritize maintaining app functionality and a first-class user experience, ensuring a seamless transition for your users.

Upgrade Path: Xamarin.Forms Apps

Xamarin.Forms apps can be migrated to .NET MAUI. While this can require a bit of manual work, it has the benefit of getting your app onto the very latest .NET mobile technologies.

Trailhead Technology Partners guides this migration by first assessing your Xamarin.Forms app to identify any necessary adjustments before migrating it to a .NET MAUI app. Our skilled team then undertakes any necessary code modifications and UI changes, all while leveraging .NET MAUI’s advanced features to deliver a consistent and polished user experience across multiple platforms.

With a focus on code reusability and responsive design, Trailhead will ensure that your app shines in .NET MAUI.

Similarities to Y2K

You also may have noticed that this May ’24 deadline for migrating Xamarin apps to .NET MAUI bears some resemblances to the Y2K crisis. Just as the year 2000 threatened to disrupt software due to the way dates were encoded, the shift to .NET MAUI is driven by the need to modernize and adapt to the changing mobile technological landscape. And as with Y2K, ignoring this transition could lead to serious consequences, including app delisting and loss of business.

However, with the right strategy and partners in place, this situation can be turned into an opportunity for growth and modernization of your mobile app.

Four Options: Which One Is Right for You?

Hopefully, by now you’re convinced to make the upgrade. If so, you may be wondering what process is the best fit for your specific mobile app. At Trailhead, we can help evaluate your app’s specific needs, but we see all Xamarin apps falling under one of these four approaches:

1. Migrate to .NET MAUI or Xamarin Native to .NET

The first and most proactive option is to migrate your Xamarin.Forms apps to .NET MAUI and Xamarin Native to .NET for iOS and Android. Beginning this migration process early is imperative to ensure enough time for a smooth transition before the May ’24 deadline.

At Trailhead, we specialize in these migrations, with a deep understanding of both Xamarin and .NET MAUI ecosystems. Our experienced team will work closely with you to ensure your apps not only meet the new technological standards but also leverage the enhanced capabilities of .NET MAUI.

2. Embrace Web-Based Mobile Technologies

Another viable path forward is migrating your Xamarin or Xamarin.Forms apps to web-based technologies like React Native or Ionic. By leveraging web technologies, some teams can streamline their development processes and potentially reach a broader audience. However, this option requires careful consideration of your app’s complexity, your team’s capabilities, and your specific user experience requirements.

Trailhead’s expertise in both native and web-based app development equips us to guide you through this transition and recommend the best approach for your business.

3. Graceful App Shutdown

If your app’s lifecycle has reached its natural end, gracefully shutting it down before the May ’24 deadline could be a prudent decision. This approach ensures a smooth exit for your users and prevents any negative impact on your brand’s reputation.

Our team at Trailhead can help you devise an exit strategy that minimizes disruption and communicates the transition effectively to your user base.

4. Do Nothing

Our least recommended approach is to do nothing and risk crashing out of the app stores. Inaction could lead to app delisting and a loss of customer trust. At Trailhead, we strongly advise against this approach. Before allowing this to happen, please contact us so we can leverage our expertise to help you navigate your options.

Trailhead: Your Migration Partner

At Trailhead Technology Partners, we are experts in cross-platform mobile development and understand the importance of planning carefully for your Xamarin to .NET MAUI transition. With our extensive experience in building Xamarin and Xamarin.Forms apps, we’re poised to guide you through this process seamlessly.

Our team of experts will collaborate closely with your business to determine the best path forward, ensuring your apps remain relevant, reliable, and competitive beyond May 2024. Don’t let this transition be a daunting challenge—let it be a steppingstone towards innovation and growth.

Contact Trailhead today to embark on this exciting journey together!