14 DAY TRIAL // If you’re a Windows phone user, you must be used to seeing apps and developers leave Windows phones, but every time this happens, it only shows that the platform is dropping and Microsoft isn’t doing anything about it.
This time, it’s the turn of Zendesk to wave goodbye to Windows phones, and although this decision was originally announced in late 2016, users are now being told to switch to Android and iOS to continue running the app.
Unfortunately, jumping over to Windows 10 Mobile rival platforms seems to be the solution that most developers are recommending when announcing the departure from Microsoft’s mobile OS, while others point users to the browser should a web-based version of its services be available.
Zendesk does just that and explains that iOS, Android, and the web browser are the alternatives right now, as the app will no longer be available on mobile phones starting April 5, with support to also be discontinued.
The small market share thing
As for the reason for this decision, it’s the same thing once again. The dropping market share and the small user base of the app convinced Zendesk that it makes no sense to stick with Windows phones.
“The Windows Phone app makes up for a fraction of a percent of all mobile app traffic. The core Zendesk Support product is constantly being updated with new features. These features are not automatically inherited into the mobile apps and occasionally it will break the mobile apps if nothing is done,” the company explained (via OnMSFT).
“Unfortunately, the usage of our Windows Phone app is too low to justify ongoing support to ensure the app stays align with the new features and functionality of Zendesk Support and provides a valuable experience to our Windows Phone users.”
For what it’s worth, Windows phones have approximately 0.5 percent market share right now, while Android powers around 85 percent of the world’s mobile devices, followed by iOS with about 14 percent.