logo



Contact Us


Xamarin Support Ends: Why .NET MAUI is the Future of Cross-Platform Apps

In May 2024, Xamarin was replaced by MAUI as Microsoft's new cross-platform app framework.

Author :

Jaimin Patel (TechupR)

12 May 2025

From May 2024, Microsoft officially ended support for Xamarin, the once-popular framework for cross-platform app development. While this shift may seem abrupt, it's part of a bigger leap forward: the rise of MAUI (Multi-platform App UI). As developers say goodbye to Xamarin, MAUI steps in as a modern, more powerful successor designed to reshape how cross-platform applications are built.

What is MAUI?

MAUI is not just a replacement for Xamarin—it’s a reimagined framework built to reduce development time and cost while increasing performance and flexibility. It’s based on .NET 6 and offers a unified solution to build apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android from a single codebase.

Key Advantages of MAUI

  • Unified Framework

    A single project structure for all platforms, simplifying code management and deployment.

  • Enhanced Performance

    Thanks to .NET 6 runtime, apps load faster, run smoother, and consume fewer resources.

  • Modernized APIs

    New APIs streamline lifecycle management, styling, navigation, and dependency injection—giving developers more control and flexibility.

client image

Overcoming Challenges During the Shift

Transitioning to MAUI isn’t without its hurdles

  • Breaking API Changes

    Significant API changes mean developers must update existing Xamarin codebases to align with the new structure.

  • Platform-Specific Migration

    Moving from Xamarin.iOS/Android to .NET.iOS/Android is simpler than a full shift to MAUI. However, UI layer restructuring may still be needed.

  • New Runtime & Dependencies

    Increased Efficiency

client image

Why MAUI Matters

Despite these challenges, MAUI stands out for its modern architecture and long-term benefits:

  • Unified Framework

    Build once, deploy anywhere

  • Enhanced Performance

    Enjoy faster runtimes and improved UX.

  • Modern APIs

    Make use of the latest coding patterns and tools.

  • Strong Ecosystem

    Full support from the .NET and Microsoft communities.

client image

Conclusion

MAUI is the future of cross-platform development under Microsoft’s umbrella. It not only replaces Xamarin but improves upon it by offering a more unified, modern, and developer-friendly experience. While it may require short-term adaptation, MAUI opens the door to building scalable, high-performance applications more efficiently.

FAQS

Frequently Asked Questions

.NET MAUI is Microsoft’s cross-platform framework for building native mobile and desktop apps with a single C# codebase. Unlike Xamarin, MAUI offers a unified project structure, improved performance, and is built on .NET 6+, making it more modern and maintainable.
Yes, as of 2025, .NET MAUI is fully production-ready and officially supported by Microsoft. It is recommended for new mobile and desktop app development instead of Xamarin, which reached end-of-life in 2024.
Absolutely. Microsoft provides migration guides and tooling to help transition Xamarin.Forms apps to .NET MAUI. While the process may involve refactoring, the upgrade brings better performance, tooling, and long-term support.
.NET MAUI supports building applications for Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows using a single shared codebase. Web support is currently experimental via integration with Blazor.
chat