What is Azure Sphere?
Azure Sphere is an IoT security solution consisting of three components: a hardened microcontroller (MCU) with a Pluton security subsystem, a secure Linux-based operating system, and the Azure Sphere Security Service for device authentication, attestation, and updates.
Important notice: On March 20, 2026, Microsoft announced the retirement of Azure Sphere. The MT3620 silicon platform reaches end-of-life on July 31, 2026, while extended support for the Azure Sphere OS and Security Service continues through July 31, 2031. For new IoT security projects, Microsoft recommends evaluating alternative, certified secure MCUs combined with Azure IoT services such as Azure IoT Hub, Device Update for IoT Hub, and Azure Device Registry.
Core Features
- Hardware-based security with the Pluton security subsystem
- Hardened Linux-based operating system
- Automatic over-the-air updates via the Security Service
- Continuous threat monitoring and certificate-based authentication
- Secure boot and runtime attestation
Typical Use Cases (existing deployments)
Industrial IoT: Securing sensors and controllers in production environments with existing Azure Sphere devices through the end of extended support.
Retail and point of sale: Operating existing hardware-anchored payment terminals and connected cash register systems.
Smart home and industrial devices: Continued operation of already deployed devices with automatic security updates through 2031.
Benefits
- Defense-in-depth approach spanning hardware, OS, and cloud service
- Automatic updates without manual intervention for existing devices
- Extended support through 2031 provides planning certainty for existing projects
- Integration with Azure IoT Hub and IoT Central for already deployed fleets
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Azure Sphere still suitable for new projects?
No. Microsoft has announced the retirement of Azure Sphere; the MT3620 MCU reaches end-of-life on July 31, 2026. For new projects, alternative, certified secure MCUs combined with Azure IoT services such as Azure IoT Hub should be evaluated instead.
What happens to existing Azure Sphere devices?
Existing devices continue to operate as before. Through July 31, 2031, Microsoft continues to provide application, OS, and security updates as well as device attestation. After that date, updates and attestation services stop, which affects connectivity to Azure IoT.
What does Azure Sphere cost?
Costs consist of the hardware (MCU) plus the security service, which is included in the MCU purchase price for the device’s lifetime, but no later than the end of extended support in 2031.
How should customers with existing deployments plan now?
Microsoft recommends planning a hardware redesign early with alternative, certified secure hardware (e.g. PSA/SESIP certified) while evaluating Azure IoT services such as Device Update for IoT Hub for the successor solution.
Integration with innFactory
As a Microsoft Solutions Partner, innFactory supports you in migrating Azure Sphere deployments to future-proof IoT security architectures, as well as operating existing fleets through the end of support.
Note: All product information on this page has been compiled with care, but is provided without guarantee and may be outdated or incomplete. Cloud services evolve rapidly — features, pricing, SLAs, and availability change frequently. Authoritative and up-to-date information can only be found on the official product page of Azure (official documentation). This page does not represent an offer by Azure.
