The RequestReview() Deprecation in iOS 14: A Guide to Alternatives in Xamarin.Forms

Описание: Discover how to replace the deprecated `requestReview()` method in iOS 14 with new solutions in Xamarin.Forms using UIWindowScene.
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This video is based on the question https://stackoverflow.com/q/70831160/ asked by the user 'Shubham Tyagi' ( https://stackoverflow.com/u/11398908/ ) and on the answer https://stackoverflow.com/a/70842469/ provided by the user 'Wen xu Li' ( https://stackoverflow.com/u/16304044/ ) at 'Stack Overflow' website. Thanks to these great users and Stackexchange community for their contributions.

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Understanding the requestReview() Deprecation in iOS 14

If you're a developer working with Xamarin.Forms, you might have noticed that the once-reliable method SKStoreReviewController.RequestReview() has been deprecated in iOS 14. This raises an important question for developers: What is the alternative for integrating store review requests in Xamarin.Forms? In this guide, we will explore how to effectively handle this change and implement a new approach using UIWindowScene.

Why was requestReview() Deprecated?

With the release of iOS 14, Apple introduced changes to how applications can request reviews from users. The traditional call to SKStoreReviewController.RequestReview() has been replaced with a newer, more sophisticated approach that allows for more context-appropriate requests. As developers, it is our responsibility to adapt our code to comply with these updates.

Adapting to the New Method: requestReview(in windowScene: UIWindowScene)

So, how can you implement this new requirement in your Xamarin.Forms application? The solution lies in using the UIWindowScene context when requesting reviews. Below, we’ll break down the steps needed to make this transition smooth.

Step 1: Update Your AppDelegate

Make sure you add the appropriate line of code in the FinishedLaunching method of your AppDelegate.cs file:

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This is your first line of defense to see if the new method works correctly in your application setup.

Step 2: Implement the DependencyService

Using Xamarin's DependencyService is a smart way to handle platform-specific functionalities. Here’s how to implement it for the review request:

Interface Code

Create an interface that will define the method to request reviews:

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iOS Implementation

Now, implement the interface in the iOS project. Here’s a sample code snippet for your MyInterfaceImpl class:

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Step 3: Call the Method in Your Application

Finally, you will call the request review method in your application's OnStart method within APP.xaml.cs. Here is how you can do this:

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Step 4: Testing Your Integration

Once you have implemented the above steps, deploy your app to an iOS device running the latest version. Ensure that everything works as expected, and that your users can still smoothly leave reviews for your app.

Conclusion

Transitioning from the deprecated requestReview() method to the new UIWindowScene approach in Xamarin.Forms can seem daunting at first. However, by following the structured steps outlined in this post, you can ensure that your app remains compliant with Apple's latest policies while still engaging with your users effectively. Always remember to test thoroughly to confirm that the review request is functioning as intended!

With these strategies and changes, you'll be well-equipped to handle this evolution in the iOS environment.