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On March 20, 2026, Microsoft announced the planned retirement of Azure Sphere, including its first-generation MT3620 microcontroller-based platform.
Why is this happening?
In 2018, Azure Sphere pioneered secure IoT connectivity, combining bespoke hardware, a secure Linux-based OS, and a cloud-based security service, elevating industry standards for microcontroller security. As the IoT landscape advances, customers are now able to access secure microcontrollers from a wide range of silicon vendors and pair these with Microsoft next-generation solutions for greater flexibility and scalability.
Key Dates
- Retirement Announcement: March 20, 2026
- End of Life for MT3620 MCU: July 31, 2026
- End of Extended Support for Azure Sphere OS and Security Service: July 31, 2031
Impact on Customers
- After July 31, 2031, Azure Sphere devices will no longer receive Application and OS updates, bug fixes, or security patches.
- MT3620-based hardware will require redesign for continued functionality beyond the retirement date.
- Device attestation and authentication services will cease, impacting connectivity to Azure IoT and other upstream services.
- After July 31, 2026, the MT3620 silicon will become end-of-life.
What do you need to do?
- Evaluate hardware redesign to replace MT3620 silicon in future product iterations.
- Consider PSA/SESIP Level 3+, or similar, certified silicon as a guideline for silicon with similar security properties.
- Express purchasing intent through distributor, Avnet, for MT3620 components before July 31, 2026 if additional stock is needed.
- Evaluate complimentary Azure IoT and 3rd-party solutions alongside new MCU:
- Device and Device Certificate Management:
- Azure IoT Hub with Azure Device Registry (ADR) and X.509 Certificate Management (Public Preview).
- Device Data plane:
- Device Attestation:
- Consider evaluation of Microcontrollers with a PSA Certified Attestation API, or similar, for standardized integration into your chosen solution.
- Device firmware update:
- Device firmware:
- Consider evaluation of Azure IoT libraries to aid in development.
- Consider evaluation of FIPS 140-3 compliant crypto libraries for trustworthy at-rest and in-transit data encryption.
- Device and Device Certificate Management:
Support and Resources
- https://learn.microsoft.com/azure/iot-fundamentals/
- https://azure.microsoft.com/solutions/iot/
- Contact your Microsoft account team or https://support.microsoft.com/ for personalized assistance.
Commitment
We remain dedicated to helping you transition smoothly and continue to innovate securely. Thank you for being part of Azure Sphere’s journey and for driving IoT security forward.