A few deadlines to keep in mind. After ending mainstream support for Windows Phone 8.1 a year ago, Microsoft today announced a few deadlines as it will soon stop accepting new apps with Windows Phone 8.x or earlier or Windows 8/8.1 packages.
Soon after that date, we will stop distributing app updates to Windows Phone 8.x or earlier and Windows 8/8.1 devices; at that time, updates will only be made available to customers using Windows 10 devices. – Microsoft Store Team.
Some of the important dates to be kept in mind:
On October 31, 2018, Microsoft will stop accepting new apps with Windows Phone 8.x or earlier or Windows 8/8.1 packages.
On July 1st, 2019 Microsoft will stop distributing app updates to Windows Phone 8.x or earlier devices but still be allowing developers to publish updates to all apps, available only for Windows 10 devices.
On July 1st, 2023 Microsoft will stop distributing app updates to Windows 8/8.1 devices this too will be available only for the Windows 10 devices.
For Microsoft, this is also a way to encourage developers to port their existing Windows Phone 8.x and Windows 8/8.1 apps to the UWP platform; a single app that can change according to the screen size so that they reach more consumers across the whole family of Windows 10 devices.
