Navigating the Tech Shift in Smart Manufacturing: Migrating from Xamarin.Forms to .NET MAUI
In the fast-paced world of digital technology, change is the driving force behind innovation. It’s like a tide, constantly shifting, reshaping landscapes, and unlocking new possibilities. For manufacturers of test & measurement instruments, industrial devices, machines, and their SaaS providers, staying ahead isn’t optional; it’s essential. One of the most impactful transformations today is the move from Xamarin.Forms to .NET Multi-platform App UI (MAUI). This change is not merely a framework upgrade; it redefines cross-platform development and opens new business opportunities.
The Xamarin legacy: A decade of digital transformation
For nearly ten years, Xamarin has been a trusted solution for developers worldwide by simplifying complex coding tasks and enabling the creation of apps from a single shared codebase, Xamarin.Forms accelerated digital transformation across industries.
Key advantages of Xamarin.Forms included:
- Cross-platform capabilities:
Develop apps for iOS, Android, and Windows from one codebase
- Native API access:
Direct integration with platform-specific features
- Faster time-to-market:
Reduced development cycles with reusable logic
- High shared code percentage:
Up to 100% shared core logic across platforms
- Lower learning curve:
Developers could quickly adapt to building apps without learning multiple frameworks
There are several real-world apps developed using Xamarin.Forms, including a mobile app for field services, mobile app for smart home control, and a mobile app for smart facilities management to name a few. As technology continues to advance, so do the tools that power it. However, as with any technology, evolution is inevitable. Microsoft announced the end of support for Xamarin.Forms in May 2024, signaling a critical turning point for businesses that rely on these apps.
The .NET MAUI: Next generation of cross-platform development.
.NET MAUI is the natural evolution of Xamarin.Forms, designed to take cross-platform development to the next level. It provides a unified project structure, improved performance, and the ability to create native apps for Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows, all from a single shared codebase.
Key advantages of .NET MAUI over Xamarin.Forms
- Unified project structure for all platforms (Xamarin.Forms required separate projects)
- Flexible rendering architecture for rich, platform-specific user interfaces (Xamarin.Forms struggled with advanced UI)
- Faster startup times, reduced memory footprint, and overall improved performance (Xamarin.Forms could face performance issues)
- Greater control over native platform features, reducing the need for custom renderers (Xamarin.Forms required more custom renderers)
- Full integration with the latest Visual Studio, hot reload, and modern developer tools (Xamarin.Forms had older tooling with limited updates)
- Actively developed and aligned with Microsoft’s long-term strategy (Xamarin.Forms support ended)
The advantages of .NET MAUI aren’t just technical; they directly impact business outcomes:
- Faster app delivery that enables quicker launches
- Enhanced user experience with rich, platform-specific UI
- Future-proofing apps to remain agile and scalable
Real-world example: Migration in action
A global manufacturer of remote data monitoring equipment initially partnered with Saviant to develop a Xamarin app for BLE-enabled devices. After the release of .NET MAUI, the company migrated the app in just 6–7 weeks. The migration improved platform compatibility, provided access to the latest APIs, and extended app reach across devices.
This example highlights a critical insight: working with experts in Xamarin app development services ensures not only a successful migration but also a seamless upgrade that maximizes business continuity and minimizes downtime.
Potential migration hurdles and how to address them
Transitioning from Xamarin.Forms to .NET MAUI comes with challenges. Understanding these hurdles is the first step toward a successful migration:
- Resource allocation: Migration requires time, skilled developers, and project planning
- Compatibility gaps: Some third-party libraries or packages may not work identically in MAUI
- Learning curve: Developers must adapt to MAUI’s new architecture, especially handlers replacing custom renderers
- Testing requirements: Apps must be thoroughly tested across multiple platforms to ensure stability
How a trusted Xamarin development partner can help
Partnering with a Xamarin app development partner mitigates these challenges by:
- Offering expertise in both Xamarin.Forms and MAUI architecture
- Implementing proven migration frameworks and accelerators
- Minimizing downtime with structured planning and risk management
- Leveraging MAUI features to enhance performance and app functionality
Saviant’s Xamarin app maturity model: Strategic migration
Not all apps require immediate migration. The urgency depends on factors such as update frequency, API dependencies, and the complexity of the app.
Saviant’s Xamarin App Maturity Model helps businesses assess migration priorities:
- Level 1: Minimal updates, read-only apps → Migration can be deprioritized
- Level 2: Frequent updates, low API dependency → Plan migration, not urgent
- Level 3: Frequent updates, strong API dependency → High priority for migration
This framework ensures that businesses align migration timing with strategy, balancing cost, performance, and competitive advantage.
The migration process: Step-by-step guide
Transitioning from Xamarin.Forms to .NET MAUI requires a structured, careful approach. Here's a recommended step-by-step process for your development team:
- Step 1: Pause Xamarin Work
Stop new Xamarin development to prevent conflicts during migration.
- Step 2: Install Visual Studio 2022
.NET MAUI requires Visual Studio 2022. Ensure all team members use the same version to maintain consistency.
- Step 3: Update to Xamarin.Forms 5.0
Upgrade to the latest Xamarin version for compatibility with MAUI and smoother migration. Legacy Xamarin versions may not fully support MAUI features, creating errors or missing functionalities.
- Step 4: Analyze Third-Party Packages
Identify MAUI-compatible alternatives for non-UI packages.
Check UI-related packages for MAUI equivalents.
Plan redesigns for components using the MAUI Graphics API if alternatives aren’t available.
- Step 5: Plan for Custom Renderers
Evaluate custom renderers and migrate them to MAUI Handlers.
MAUI’s native control access may reduce the need for custom renderers.
Document each renderer for easier testing and troubleshooting.
Working with an experienced Xamarin and MAUI development team ensures a smooth migration, mitigates risks, and accelerates adoption of the latest technologies.
Why partnering with expert Xamarin & .NET MAUI development team matters
Migrating apps is more than just a technical exercise; it impacts business continuity, user experience, and ROI.
Experts in Xamarin app development services offer:
- Deep knowledge of Xamarin.Forms and .NET MAUI architectures
- Accelerated migration frameworks with tested best practices
- Guidance on leveraging MAUI’s capabilities for performance optimization
- Risk mitigation strategies to minimize downtime and operational disruption
By working with professionals, manufacturers can focus on achieving their business goals while ensuring their apps are modern, scalable, and future proof.
Embracing the future of cross-platform app development
The sun may have set on Xamarin.Forms, but .NET MAUI represents a brighter, faster, and more flexible era of cross-platform development.
Manufacturers who act now can:
- Innovate faster with modern tools
- Scale their digital ecosystems efficiently
- Deliver superior app experiences across devices
Whether maintaining legacy apps, planning migration, or building new solutions, leveraging Xamarin app development services ensures businesses remain competitive, agile, and ready for the future.
In essence
Transitioning from Xamarin.Forms to .NET MAUI is a strategic move that blends technology and business foresight.
While migration requires planning and expertise, the benefits, including faster app delivery, richer experiences, and long-term scalability, make it essential for manufacturers in today’s digital landscape.
The question isn’t whether to migrate; it’s how soon you can start.
With the trusted Xamarin and .NET MAUI development partner and a structured approach, businesses can future proof their apps and stay ahead of the competition.
So, the real question is: are you ready to embrace what’s next?