Spotify has ended development on its app for Windows phones, and said that it will no longer be updating the app with new features or improvements.
In a post on its support site, responding to a long-running discussion requesting a new feature for the app, the company said that its Windows phone app "has been placed into maintenance mode", adding:
Thus, we will only be making critical security updates to the current Spotify app and not releasing any new features nor improving support for old devices going forward. Users can continue to use Spotify on previously supported Windows Phones and Spotify will remain on the Windows Store.
The company said that it "will continue to work closely with Microsoft to ensure the best experience on Windows platforms and are constantly evaluating the most effective path going forward." The company posted its statement regarding the end of its Windows phone development two weeks ago, but it was only spotted today by MSPU.
A year ago, the company said it had ended support of its app for Windows Phone 8.x handsets, but quickly reversed its position, reaffirming its support for the OS, and adding that it would update the app further with improved support for Windows 10 Mobile devices.
But the shrinking number of Windows phone owners has prompted many companies to abandon the platform in recent months, including Amtrak, eBay, Delta Air Lines, Samsung Smart Things, Runtastic, and the UK"s largest mobile network, EE. Last week, Zendesk killed off its app for Windows phones, explaining that its usage accounted for "a fraction of a percent" of its broader user base. Some big names have joined the Windows Store recently, though, such as ride-sharing service Lyft.