Microsoft Puts The Final Killshot On Windows 10 Mobile As It Focuses On Android And iOS
However, Microsoft has for the most part abandoned new feature update to Windows 10 Mobile and long shuttered production of its Lumia line of smartphones. So, it should come as no surprise that Microsoft has announced a final end date support: December 10th, 2019. The last major release of Windows 10 Mobile occurred way back on October 2017, and Microsoft has only provided security updates since that time.
According to Microsoft, security updates will cease for both Windows 10 Mobile and Windows 10 Mobile Enterprise. In addition, customers will no longer have access to non-security hotfixes or "free assisted" support options after that December cutoff date.
While Microsoft is pulling the plug later this year, that is not the case for apps for the platform. As Microsoft explains, app support is left up to the individual publisher. However, most developers have already long abandoned the Windows 10 Mobile platform for the greener pastures of Android and iOS. So, while your apps might work for now, there's no telling how long that support will last if developers start yanking servers or decline to provide updates for existing software.
In the end, what does Microsoft recommend that customers do if they're are still clinging on to a Windows 10 Mobile device? The company writes:
With the Windows 10 Mobile OS end of support, we recommend that customers move to a supported Android or iOS device. Microsoft’s mission statement to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more, compels us to support our Mobile apps on those platforms and devices.
This isn't surprising at all, since during the same time that Microsoft was winding down its Windows 10 Mobile operations, it has been beefing up its apps and services for Android and iOS. Microsoft apps/services like Bing, Cortana, OneDrive, Office 365, Xbox, Edge are readily available for Android and iOS.
