Good Bye Xamarin

In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, tools and frameworks continuously evolve, and developers must stay ahead of the curve. One significant evolution in recent times is the transition from Xamarin.Forms to .NET MAUI (Multi-platform App UI). This shift brings about a series of changes and deadlines that developers must navigate skillfully. In this article, we'll simplify and explore the essential milestones and recommendations to smoothly transition from Xamarin to .NET MAUI.

Saying Farewell to Xamarin

Xamarin.Forms, the precursor to .NET MAUI, is reaching its twilight phase. Existing Xamarin.Forms projects now have the imperative of migrating to .NET MAUI, with Xamarin itself approaching its expiration date. It's vital to note that support for all Xamarin SDKs, including Xamarin.Forms, will come to an end after May 1, 2024.

For those seeking comprehensive insights into this transition, detailed information and guidelines are available in the official documentation.

Navigating the Transition to .NET 7

Complicating matters further is the impending end of support for .NET 7, scheduled for May 14, 2023. To mitigate potential challenges, it's wise to initiate migrations well in advance, allowing ample time to address any arising issues during the process. For detailed information, delve into the resources provided.

Embracing Visual Studio Code

As Visual Studio for Mac faces retirement by August 31, 2024, developers may find themselves at a crossroads. However, there's no cause for concern as the transition to .NET MAUI can seamlessly continue using Visual Studio Code. Learn how to implement the MAUI Extension for Visual Studio Code and access additional resources in the official documentation.

Understanding App Store Transition Deadlines

The transition timeline extends beyond development environments to app distribution platforms. It's anticipated that by April 2025, the Apple App Store will likely stop accepting submissions of Xamarin applications built with Xcode 15. Similarly, the Google Play Store is expected to cease supporting Xamarin apps targeting API 34 by August 2025.

For more information on these transitions, refer to the provided links.

Fostering Community Engagement

In the spirit of community collaboration, developers are encouraged to share their feedback with the Microsoft team through David Ortinau's facilitated platform. Your experiences are invaluable in enriching the community and streamlining the migration process from Xamarin to .NET MAUI. Participate in the feedback survey to contribute to this collective effort.

Showcasing Your .NET MAUI Creations

As .NET MAUI gains momentum, Microsoft eagerly seeks to showcase applications developed using this framework. Your contributions and feedback play a pivotal role in shaping the future of .NET MAUI. Keep an eye out for Microsoft events where .NET MAUI applications are celebrated and showcased.

In conclusion, transitioning from Xamarin to .NET MAUI signifies a significant milestone in the realm of cross-platform app development. By staying informed, proactive, and leveraging available resources, developers can navigate this transition with confidence and agility, propelling their projects into the future.

Certainly! Here's a tabulated overview of the key dates and their details:

Date	Event	Details
May 1, 2024	End of Xamarin Official Support	Support for all Xamarin SDKs, including Xamarin.Forms, will cease after this date.
May 14, 2023	End of .NET 7 Official Support	Support for .NET 7 will be terminated, urging developers to plan migration strategies well in advance.
August 31, 2024	Retirement of Visual Studio for Mac	Visual Studio for Mac will be retired, prompting developers to transition to alternative environments such as Visual Studio Code.
April 2025	Apple App Store Transition Deadline	The anticipated final deadline for the Apple App Store to accept submissions of Xamarin applications built with Xcode 15.
August 2025	Google Play Store Transition Deadline	The expected final deadline for the Google Play Store to accept Xamarin apps targeting API 34.

These dates serve as crucial milestones for developers navigating the transition from Xamarin to .NET MAUI. It's essential to stay informed and plan accordingly to ensure a smooth and seamless transition process.