.NET MAUI: CollectionView2 & Android Shell Modernization

MAUI's Modernization Drive

Preview 6 of .NET 11 for MAUI marks a substantial step forward in modernizing the cross-platform framework, particularly with the introduction of CollectionView2 (CV2) to Windows and the reimplementation of Android Shell using handlers. The shift away from Xamarin.Forms-era infrastructure towards platform handlers and source-generated code is a critical architectural evolution, promising better performance, maintainability, and compatibility with modern .NET features like Native AOT. The integration of WinUI's ItemsRepeater for CV2 on Windows is a welcome move, aligning it with other platforms and bringing a host of advanced features such as grouping, selection, and incremental loading. Furthermore, the adoption of the handler model for Android Shell is a strategic decision to unify component reuse and simplify development, although it necessitates careful testing for applications with custom shell behaviors.

The implications for developers are significant. Those building new MAUI applications will benefit from a more robust and performant UI layer, especially on Windows. The move towards source generation in areas like HybridWebView JavaScript interop not only resolves trimming and AOT warnings but also opens doors for more streamlined integration in AOT-compiled applications. The opt-in media picker result recovery on Android is a practical enhancement addressing a common pain point in mobile development. However, the removal of the Microsoft.Maui.Controls.Compatibility NuGet package is a potentially breaking change that requires proactive migration for projects relying on older compatibility renderers. Developers must be aware of this and plan accordingly to avoid disruptions. The focus on Native AOT compatibility and trimming indicates a forward-looking approach, aligning MAUI with the broader .NET ecosystem's push for performance and smaller deployment sizes.

Key Points

• .NET 11 Preview 6 significantly modernizes .NET MAUI with architectural and reliability improvements.
• CollectionView2 (CV2) is now available on Windows, leveraging WinUI's ItemsRepeater for a consistent experience across platforms.
• Android Shell has been reimplemented using the standard MAUI handler model, improving component reuse but requiring testing for custom implementations.
• HybridWebView JavaScript interop now uses source generators, enhancing trimming and Native AOT compatibility.
• Android gains opt-in MediaPicker result recovery for improved resilience.
• The removal of the Microsoft.Maui.Controls.Compatibility NuGet package is a breaking change requiring migration for projects using older compatibility renderers.
• Preview 6 includes fixes for CollectionView, Shell, Android Material 3 styling, iOS, XAML generation, and accessibility.

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📖 Source: .NET 11 Preview 6 Modernises MAUI CollectionView and Android Shell