What is Visual Studio App Center?
Visual Studio App Center was a Mobile DevOps platform from Microsoft that unified CI/CD, app distribution, crash reporting, analytics, and push notifications for iOS, Android, and other platforms. The service has been retired and no longer accepts new sign-ups.
Former Feature Set
- Build: Automatic builds for iOS, Android, React Native, and Xamarin on every commit
- Test: Cloud-based UI testing on real devices
- Distribute: Beta distribution to testers and enterprise deployment
- Diagnostics: Real-time crash reporting and error analysis
- Analytics: Usage statistics and event tracking
- Push: Cross-platform push notifications
Migration and Alternatives
After App Center retirement, the following alternatives are available:
| Feature | Alternative |
|---|---|
| Build/CI | Azure Pipelines, GitHub Actions + Fastlane |
| Test | Firebase Test Lab, BrowserStack, Sauce Labs |
| Distribute | Firebase App Distribution, TestFlight, Hockey App |
| Diagnostics | Firebase Crashlytics, Sentry, App Insights |
| Analytics | Firebase Analytics, Mixpanel, Amplitude |
| Push | Azure Notification Hubs, Firebase Cloud Messaging |
Migration Recommendation
- CI/CD to Azure Pipelines: Native integration with Azure DevOps, full control over build processes
- Crash Reporting to Sentry: Developer-friendly, detailed stack traces, source map support
- Push to Azure Notification Hubs: Scalable, multi-platform, Azure integration
Integration with innFactory
As a Microsoft Solutions Partner, innFactory supports you in migrating from App Center: We analyze your current setup, plan migration to Azure Pipelines and alternative services, and ensure a seamless transition.
Typical Use Cases
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the status of Visual Studio App Center?
Visual Studio App Center has been retired. Microsoft recommends migrating to alternative services like Azure Pipelines, Firebase, and other specialized tools.
What features did App Center have?
App Center offered CI/CD for mobile apps, beta distribution, crash reporting, analytics, and push notifications in an integrated platform.
What is the alternative for CI/CD?
Azure Pipelines or GitHub Actions provide full CI/CD functionality for iOS, Android, and all other platforms. Fastlane can be integrated for mobile-specific build steps.
What alternative exists for crash reporting?
Firebase Crashlytics, Sentry, or Azure Application Insights provide crash reporting for mobile apps. Migration requires SDK replacement in the app.
What happens to existing App Center projects?
Existing projects must be migrated before the shutdown date. Microsoft provides migration guides for all features.
