Twitter postpones release of API to suspend third-party apps

Twitter recently announced an overhaul of its app’s API. Once implemented, this will remove important features such as push notifications and automatic timeline updates from third-party Twitter clients . However, after receiving a lot of backlash from both the public and developers, the company announced that it would postpone the release of the Account Activity API, which was scheduled to be released on June 19th of this year.

In a tweet sent from its official TwitterDev account, Twitter informed developers that the Account Activity API is still in beta and its release will be delayed.

Last year, we announced plans to retire Site Stream and User Stream and replace them with the Account Activity API (currently in beta). Postponing the scheduled deprecation date of June 19th.

— Twitter Developer (@TwitterDev) April 6, 2018

In a series of tweets sent after the original tweet, the microblogging platform stated that the company is committed to providing sufficient time for the transition and at least 90 days prior to the retirement date of the Account Activity API. We have notified developers that we will notify them of the deprecation date. Generally available to all developers.

The company also sent out a tweet informing developers who are currently using Site Stream and User Stream that they can learn how to migrate to the Account Activity API and apply for beta access to the Account Activity API. I did .

Developers currently using Site Stream and User Stream can learn how to migrate to the Account Activity API in our migration guide. https://t.co/Q5uDmysM0y

— Twitter Developer (@TwitterDev) April 6, 2018

However, despite this brief respite, developers are not happy with Twitter as their main concerns still remain unresolved. A website created by the developers of Twitter’s major third-party clients, Talon, Tweetbot, Tweetings, and Twitterrific, provides a comprehensive overview of the issues developers face when publishing new APIs.

Developers who want beta access to the Account Activity API can still apply. https://t.co/um2NQDJXUe

— Twitter Developer (@TwitterDev) April 6, 2018

You can read the full explanation by visiting the website, but here is the TLDR version. The main issue developers face is regarding push notifications. The developers wrote that even with access to the API, some push notifications could be implemented, but the standard tier would limit the number of Twitter accounts to 35. This is negligible considering the hundreds of thousands of users these apps serve. serve.

Still, extending the deadline for access to the Account Activity API beta program will certainly help developers think about how to move forward with solving this problem.