ArcGIS Configurable Apps Deprecation: Impacts, Risks & Alternatives
In recent years, Esri has continued to evolve its ArcGIS platform to deliver more flexible, modern, and intuitive solutions for building web apps. However, one of the most significant changes announced is the ArcGIS deprecation of Configurable Apps a move that will impact thousands of organizations and GIS professionals who still rely on them to visualize, share, and interact with spatial data.
This change marks the end of an era for a tool that has served the ArcGIS community for over a decade. But it also opens the door to more powerful, future ready alternatives. In this article, we’ll explore what this ArcGIS deprecation means, its timeline, potential risks, and how you can prepare for the transition with modern options like ArcGIS Instant Apps and Experience Builder.
Understanding the ArcGIS Configurable Apps Deprecation
ArcGIS Configurable Apps were once the fastest way to transform web maps into interactive applications no coding required. With templates such as “Basic Viewer,” “Map Tour,” and “Story Map Basic,” users could easily publish map-driven experiences directly from ArcGIS Online or Enterprise.
However, in June 2023, Esri announced the deprecation of these configurable apps. Deprecation, in software terms, means a feature is no longer being developed or enhanced and is planned for removal in future releases.
According to Esri’s official notice, ArcGIS Configurable Apps will be fully retired during the first ArcGIS Online update of 2026, and the final ArcGIS Enterprise version to include them will be released in early 2025. After this point, users will no longer be able to create or configure new apps, and existing apps may stop working altogether.
This ArcGIS deprecation notice is part of Esri’s broader modernization strategy pushing developers and users to adopt its newer, more robust frameworks like ArcGIS Instant Apps and ArcGIS Experience Builder, which offer improved performance, better mobile compatibility, and more customization options.
Timeline: Key Milestones in the ArcGIS Deprecation Process
Understanding the deprecation timeline is essential to avoid disruptions. Here’s how it unfolds:
- June 2023: ArcGIS Configurable Apps officially entered deprecation status.
- 2024 — 2025: Esri continues to maintain existing apps but no longer releases new templates or enhancements.
- Early 2025: The last version of ArcGIS Enterprise to include configurable apps will be released.
- Early 2026: ArcGIS Online will retire configurable apps completely in its first update of the year.
Once the retirement happens, existing configurable apps may become unavailable, and users will lose access to the Configurable Apps gallery in ArcGIS Online. If your organization still uses these apps for public dashboards, story maps, or data sharing, now is the time to audit and migrate them.
Impacts of the ArcGIS Configurable Apps Deprecation
This ArcGIS deprecation is not just a technical change it affects workflows, data visualization strategies, and even end-user experiences. Below are the key impacts to consider:
- Limited Functionality & Support: Esri will no longer maintain or update Configurable Apps, meaning no security patches, performance updates, or bug fixes. As browsers evolve, older apps may start to break or perform poorly.
- End of New App Creation: After the 2026 retirement, you won’t be able to create new configurable apps from ArcGIS Online or Enterprise. The templates will disappear from the app gallery, forcing users to transition to newer platforms.
- Loss of Public Access: Once Esri removes backend support, some public-facing configurable apps could stop functioning. This could disrupt ongoing projects, especially if they’re embedded in websites or used in reports and dashboards.
- Increased Migration Workload: Organizations with many apps will face a significant migration task. Each configurable app needs to be assessed, rebuilt, and tested in a new environment.
Risks of Ignoring the ArcGIS Deprecation
Failing to act before the deprecation deadline poses several risks both technical and operational.
- Application Downtime: Public maps and apps embedded in reports, dashboards, or external websites may stop displaying once configurable app support is removed.
- Data Integrity & User Confusion: Users relying on deprecated apps could face data mismatches or broken links. This could undermine the credibility of GIS outputs shared with decision makers.
- Security Vulnerabilities: Unsupported templates won’t receive security updates. This exposes your organization’s data and users to potential threats.
- Increased Costs Later: The longer you wait to migrate, the more rushed and expensive the process becomes. Early migration allows for planning, testing, and staff training without panic.
In short, ignoring the ArcGIS deprecation timeline could create more risk than reward. Planning early is your best defense.
Migration Strategy: How to Transition Smoothly
Migrating from ArcGIS Configurable Apps to modern solutions doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here’s a step-by-step strategy to follow:
- Inventory Existing Apps: Start by identifying all configurable apps in your ArcGIS Online or Enterprise environment. You can use Esri’s recommended Python scripts to automate this process.
- Categorize and Prioritize: Classify your apps by importance:
- High priority: frequently accessed or business-critical apps
- Medium priority: internal tools or training apps
- Low priority: legacy or experimental apps
Focus your migration efforts on high-priority apps first.
- Identify Replacement Platforms: Match each app to a modern alternative:
- ArcGIS Instant Apps – Best for map-focused, easy-to-configure apps.
- ArcGIS Experience Builder – For advanced, customizable layouts and integrated workflows.
- ArcGIS Dashboards or StoryMaps – For narrative or analytical applications.
- Rebuild and Test: Recreate your apps in the chosen modern platform. Test thoroughly for layout consistency, functionality, and data connectivity.
- Communicate and Train: Inform users and stakeholders about the changes. Offer short training sessions to help them adapt to the new interface or tools.
Alternatives to ArcGIS Configurable Apps
Esri has introduced several modern alternatives designed to replace configurable apps with better design flexibility, faster performance, and long-term support.
- ArcGIS Instant Apps: Instant Apps are the direct successor to Configurable Apps. They offer ready-to-use templates, such as Media Map, Sidebar, and Interactive Legend, optimized for both desktop and mobile users.
Advantages:
- Intuitive setup interface
- Accessibility and mobile responsiveness
- Continuous Esri support and updates
- ArcGIS Experience Builder: Experience Builder is a more advanced, drag-and-drop web app builder. It allows for multiple pages, widgets, and integrations ideal for organizations seeking a tailored user experience.
Advantages:
- Highly customizable layouts
- Integration with other ArcGIS tools
- Support for both 2D and 3D content
- ArcGIS Dashboards: For data visualization and analytics driven interfaces, Dashboards remains a powerful option. It allows users to interact with real-time data through charts, maps, and indicators.
- ArcGIS StoryMaps: If your configurable apps focused on storytelling or spatial narratives, StoryMaps provides a modern, visually rich alternative for public communication.
Preparing for the Future
The ArcGIS deprecation of Configurable Apps signals a broader shift toward modernization within the GIS ecosystem. Esri’s roadmap clearly emphasizes:
- Unified, responsive, and accessible web app design
- Cloud first architecture and scalable performance
- Integration with modern JavaScript APIs and frameworks
Organizations that embrace this transition will be better positioned to leverage the latest capabilities of the ArcGIS system including AI driven analysis, real-time mapping, and cloud collaboration.
Now is the time to:
- Audit your existing GIS applications
- Set a migration timeline aligned with Esri’s schedule
- Allocate resources for training and redevelopment
- Explore Instant Apps and Experience Builder hands-on
By acting proactively, you safeguard your GIS assets and position your organization for a smoother, more efficient digital future.
The ArcGIS deprecation of Configurable Apps is a reminder that technology evolves and GIS professionals must evolve with it. While it may feel disruptive at first, the move encourages users to adopt modern, flexible, and high-performing platforms that better align with today’s web standards.
By auditing your current apps, planning your migration early, and embracing Esri’s modern tools like Instant Apps, Experience Builder, and Dashboards, you can ensure a seamless transition and even unlock new possibilities in the process. Don’t wait until 2026. Start your migration now to stay ahead of the ArcGIS deprecation curve and keep your spatial applications future-ready. At Support Systems Limited, we help organizations migrate legacy ArcGIS apps to modern platforms. For detailed guidance and expert tips, Explore Support Systems blog to learn more.
