Don't miss out: Join Visible wireless for as low as $25/mo

  • Forums
  • Shop
  • iPhone 12
  • Best VPN
  • iOS 14
  • Nintendo Switch
  • AirPods Pro
More like RIP

Twitter finally details new API, screws third-party apps — again

Twitter has finally announced details for it's new Account Activity API, which replaces the Streaming API third-party clients have relied on up until now — and the news isn't good.
Rene Ritchie
16 May 2018

Today we're excited to announce the general availability of Account Activity API. Now developers can get started for free, upgrade to premium as they scale, and move to enterprise when they need even more subscriptions or enterprise functionality. https://t.co/AkMCDNOxbs

— Twitter Dev (@TwitterDev) May 16, 2018

This API suits Twitters goal of feeding analytics and entertainment products, but it's a heavy blow to developers of third-part Twitter apps like Twitterrific and Tweetbot, and services like the already shutting down Favstar. Here's why:

There's no streaming connection capability as is used by only 1% of monthly active apps. Also there's no home timeline data. We have no plans to add that data to Account Activity API or create a new streaming service. However, home timeline data remains accessible via REST API.

— Twitter Dev (@TwitterDev) May 16, 2018

So, to start with, third-party clients will have to discontinue features like live updates and activity information. Developers at The Iconfactory, which created the first-ever third-party Twitter Client, Twitterrific, have been sharing their reactions:

The public pricing that I'm seeing shows Twitter's Account Activity API pricing as $2,899/month to get activity updates… for 250 users.

Needless to say, we have more than 250 users.

It's possible an "enterprise" deal could be made, but it seems unlikely to be affordable.

— Sean Heber (@BigZaphod) May 16, 2018

The math works out to about $10 per user a month to get push notifications. On a platform where people balk at spending 99¢…

— Craig Hockenberry (@chockenberry) May 16, 2018

Make it $14 or more once associated costs are added and implemented, which would be untenable.

It's possible Twitter will work with developers to come up with affordable alternatives and even feature workarounds. There are no guarantees, though. And the bigger problem remains: Twitter, for years now, has through action and innaction been terrorizing the developers that helped make the service popular in the very early days of the service.

VPN Deals: Lifetime license for $16, monthly plans at $1 & more

Favstar has already announced it's shutting down due to the uncertainty and constraints Twitter continues to introduce.

August 16, 2018 is the new end-of-life date for the old Streaming API. We'll have to wait and see how many third-party apps and services it takes along with it.

YouWidget puts your YouTube subs and more into an iOS 14 widget
YouTube

YouWidget puts your YouTube subs and more into an iOS 14 widget

Check YouTube stats of any channel, keep tabs on new videos from channels you're subscribed to, and more.

Review: Vertagear P-Line gaming chairs look cool and provide great support
Better posture time

Review: Vertagear P-Line gaming chairs look cool and provide great support

Sitting for long stretches can really do a number on your back. But the best gaming chairs, like Vertagear's P-Line, can make you feel comfortable while improving your posture.

Target unveils new Apple shopping destination for stores
retail

Target unveils new Apple shopping destination for stores

Target has today announced a new enhanced Apple shopping experience for retail customers, which will debut later this month.

Great video editing software for your Mac
Video besties

Great video editing software for your Mac

You don't need to buy expensive video-editing software to get the job done. Here are some of the hottest video-editing software for Mac on the market today.

Keep in Touch

Sign up now to get the latest news, deals & more from iMore!

I would like to receive news and offers from other Future brands.

I would like to receive mail from Future partners.

No spam, we promise. You can unsubscribe at any time and we'll never share your details without your permission.

  • News
  • Twitter
Rene Ritchie

Rene Ritchie

Rene Ritchie has been covering personal technology for a decade. Former editor-in-chief of iMore and Editorial Director for Mobile Nations, he specializes in Apple and related technologies, news analysis and insight. Follow him @reneritchie on Twitter, Instagram, watch his videos on YouTube, and visit him on the web at reneritchie.net.

  • iPhone
  • iPad
  • Apple Watch
  • Apple TV
  • Mac
  • Reviews
  • How To
  • HomeKit
  • Forums

Other Categories

  • About Us
  • Newsletter
  • Fitness
  • Apps
  • Gaming
  • Deals
  • Advertising Inquiries
  • Licensing and Reprints
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Android Central
  • Windows Central
  • CrackBerry
  • Thrifter
  • TechnoBuffalo
  • MrMobile
Log in or Sign up
  • t
  • f
  • y
  • i
  • r

Brightness

  • © Future US, Inc.
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy
  • Careers
  • Licensing
  • External Links Disclosure
  • Accessibility Statement
  • © Future US, Inc.
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy
  • Careers
  • Licensing
  • External Links Disclosure
  • Accessibility Statement