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AppCenter Retirement: What Should We Do Now?

AppCenter Retirement: What Should We Do Now?

AppCenter Retirement: What Should We Do Now?

Microsoft has officially announced that Visual Studio App Center will be retired on March 31, 2025. This means that after this date, developers will no longer be able to access App Center services, including CodePush, which has been a crucial tool for delivering over-the-air (OTA) updates for mobile applications.

With App Center retired, developers need an alternative solution to continue using CodePush effectively. In this blog post, we’ll explore the best options available and help you decide which approach suits your needs best.

🚀 What Are Our Options?

Since Microsoft is sunsetting App Center, developers using CodePush must migrate to an alternative solution. Below are the available options:

1. Host Your Own Azure CodePush Server

Microsoft has open-sourced the CodePush server, allowing developers to host their own instance. The repository can be found here.

By deploying a self-hosted CodePush server on Azure or another cloud provider, you can maintain full control over your OTA update infrastructure. This approach provides flexibility and scalability but comes with several challenges:

✔ Pros:

  • Full control over your update infrastructure
  • No dependency on third-party services
  • Can be optimized for your specific needs

❌ Cons:

  • Requires setup and maintenance (server deployment, scaling, monitoring, etc.)
  • Infrastructure costs may increase depending on your usage
  • Security and updates are your responsibility

If your team has DevOps expertise and the required infrastructure budget, hosting your own CodePush server could be a viable long-term solution.

2. Use Expo Updates (For Expo Users Only)

If your project is built with Expo, you can leverage Expo Updates to handle over-the-air updates seamlessly.

✔ Pros:

  • Fully managed solution with automatic updates
  • Easy integration with Expo-based projects
  • Reliable and scalable infrastructure

❌ Cons:

  • Limited to Expo projects (not suitable for pure React Native apps)
  • Pricing can be expensive for large-scale applications
  • Limited customization compared to self-hosting

If you’re already using Expo, this can be an excellent alternative to CodePush, though pricing might be a concern for some teams.

3. Third-Party Custom CodePush Server Services

Several third-party companies offer hosted CodePush server solutions. Many of these solutions are built on Azure, meaning they will likely pass on high infrastructure costs to end users.

✔ Pros:

  • Ready-to-use solutions with minimal setup

❌ Cons:

  • Expensive pricing (often higher than App Center)
  • Custom CLI and UI differences (may require workflow adjustments)
  • Vendor lock-in risk

If cost isn’t an issue and you’re okay with adapting to a new UI and CLI workflow, third-party services may be a reasonable option.

4. NextPush: The Best Cost-Effective Alternative

If you’re looking for a seamless, affordable, and easy-to-use CodePush alternative, NextPush is the best option.

NextPush allows you to migrate your existing App Center CodePush setup with minimal effort and continue using CodePush with a familiar interface. It provides the most affordable hosted CodePush server while maintaining a UI and CLI similar to App Center, so you don’t have to change your workflow.

✔ Pros:

  • ✅ Easiest migration path from App Center
  • ✅ Continue where you left off with a one command – Your apps, versions, bundle files, and statistics are all seamlessly migrated.
  • ✅ Most cost-effective hosted CodePush server
  • ✅ No major changes to CLI or workflow
  • ✅ App Center-like UI for a familiar experience

❌ Cons:

  • Newer platform compared to other options (but actively developed and optimized for affordability)
  • React Native New Architecture support is still in development and testing, and it will be available as soon as possible.

If you want an easy transition from App Center without breaking the bank, NextPush is the ideal choice.

🎯 Conclusion: Which Option Is Best for You?

The best alternative to App Center depends on your needs, budget, and technical capabilities:

  • If you need full control → Deploy your own CodePush server on Azure.
  • If you’re an Expo user → Use Expo Updates.
  • If cost isn’t a concern → Consider third-party hosted services.
  • If you want an affordable, easy-to-migrate solution → NextPush is the way to go!

With App Center shutting down soon, it’s crucial to plan your migration now and avoid last-minute disruptions. Try NextPush today and continue delivering seamless over-the-air updates with ease! 🚀