Slack Prepares Integration Updates as Mobile Ecosystem Expands
Slack developer documentation outlines unconfirmed plans to deprecate legacy custom bots as the platform expands integrations with AI and enterprise tools.
In5Seconds Editorial Desk··5 min read
The 5-second version
Unconfirmed developer docs target March 31, 2025 for legacy bot deprecation. Slack exceeds 50 million downloads on the Google Play Store. Developers should transition custom bots to scoped permission models.
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Slack developer documentation indicates an unconfirmed plan to discontinue support for legacy custom bots on March 31, 2025, signaling a transition for custom workspace integrations. The collaboration platform continues to update its ecosystem across mobile, web, and desktop environments. Meanwhile, official app store listings detail widespread global adoption alongside mixed user reviews regarding device compatibility.
Developer documentation specifies that "Beginning March 31, 2025 , we will discontinue support for legacy custom bots." However, this deprecation timeline remains unconfirmed through formal public press announcements. In recent product showcases, Slack highlights feature integrations including Slackforce Surfaces, Slackbot, and Slack Code.
These features join existing workspace tools such as Workflow Builder, Slack Lists, Slack Connect, and Slack AI. Corporate parent Salesforce continues to connect Slack with enterprise systems, including Salesforce Data Cloud and Agentforce.
Salesforce Ecosystem and AI Integrations Drive Platform Growth
For enterprise development teams, updates to bot architecture require shifting away from legacy custom bots tied to individual user tokens. Modern Slack apps act independently of user tokens, running on restricted, specific permissions tailored to automated tasks. Transitioning away from legacy custom bots ensures automated interactions follow modern security standards.
Slack remains a prominent channel for internal workplace collaboration across major technology companies. According to a single-sourced Reddit report, a former OpenAI engineer stated that the ChatGPT maker uses Slack, not email. The platform operates alongside connected tools and industry partners, including Google, Anthropic, Dropbox, Asana, Zapier, Figma, Zendesk, and Seismic enterprise search.
Integrations with tools like Google Drive and Google Calendar allow automated status updates directly within channels. Users can also connect third-party AI models such as Claude and ChatGPT to process workspace information. Executive testimonials emphasize this operational impact, with one customer stating, "Slack has been essential to our growth, our speed, and our ability to stay aligned as we scale."
Mobile App Store Performance Highlights Massive Adoption
Slack’s presence across major mobile app marketplaces reflects heavy usage, though listing details show small variances between platforms. On the Google Play Store, the app is listed under developer entity SLACK TECHNOLOGIES L.L.C. and has recorded over 50 million downloads. The Play Store shows a 4.7-star rating based on 218K reviews in the overview, though the detailed rating breakdown counts 212K reviews.
On the Apple App Store, the app is published under Slack Technologies, Inc. and carries a 4.1-star rating across 52K ratings. The iOS application requires 359.9 MB of storage, supports English alongside 9 additional languages, and carries an age rating of 16+ years. It currently ranks #20 in the Business category on Apple’s marketplace.
Slack Mobile App Ratings Comparison
Average user star rating across official mobile app stores. · Source: Google Play Store & Apple App Store
The table below summarizes key platform metrics and listing details across official mobile app stores:
App Store Platform
Developer Entity
User Rating
Ratings / Review Count
Key Metrics
Google Play Store
SLACK TECHNOLOGIES L.L.C.
4.7 Stars
218K reviews (212K breakdown)
50M+ Downloads
Apple App Store
Slack Technologies, Inc.
4.1 Stars
52K Ratings
359.9 MB, #20 in Business
How Slack Manages Channels, Workflows, and Communication
Slack operates as an AI work platform designed around real-time channels, direct messages, and asynchronous collaboration tools. Conversations are organized by topic, project, or department to streamline internal communications. As one user review noted, "Team or group communication is quick and cleanly organized when you use slack."
Core functionality spans huddles, document editing, file sharing, and direct workflow automation. Tools like Workflow Builder allow non-technical users to automate routine processes across channels. Slack Connect extends these capabilities beyond a single organization, letting external clients and vendor teams work inside shared channels.
Enterprise search tools, including Seismic enterprise search, allow teams to retrieve information across connected corporate software. These capabilities aim to reduce routine admin work and shorten internal meetings across distributed teams.
Platform Availability, Developer Differences, and Community Hubs
Slack offers subscription plans ranging from free tiers to enterprise offerings, with availability spanning iOS, Android, web browsers, and desktop clients. Features operate across both desktop and mobile applications to keep status and messages synchronized. App store downloads remain free, with advanced administrative features unlocked through paid business plans.
Users and administrators can access local support through Slack Community meetup chapters worldwide. These chapters let users join events, start local chapters, and exchange deployment tips with local peers. Technical learning resources include official Slack Certifications, Developer Resources, and the public Slack Forum.
Addressing Sync Issues and Hardware Compatibility Limits
Despite widespread workplace deployment, user feedback highlights ongoing technical concerns regarding updates and device compatibility. A review submitted by user Dallin Smith claimed, "You must have a phone no older than 3 years old or they lock you out." However, this strict hardware lockout rule remains unconfirmed by official system requirements.
Another user review by Shou A-jah reported unconfirmed mobile attachment sync bugs and sent-message delays on the web app. Additional public feedback from reviewers including Nick C., Kate Jenson, and AnC.Really?! addresses ongoing discussions around interface updates and platform performance.
These technical debates contrast with the literal dictionary entry for the word itself. Merriam-Webster defines 'slack' as "not using due diligence, care, or dispatch : negligent." Enterprise customers, however, continue to rely on the platform to maintain operational alignment across remote teams.
Actions Users Can Take to Maintain Bot Workflows
Developers using custom workspace automation should audit their current app inventory to prepare for potential bot deprecations. Moving legacy custom bots to modern permission-scoped apps ensures continuous operation without relying on individual user tokens. Checking administrative permissions inside the Slack API portal allows developers to verify bot compliance.
Workspace administrators should also inspect mobile device fleets and update mobile apps regularly through the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. Testing attachment sharing and status syncing between mobile and desktop clients helps isolate potential performance bugs. Keeping operating systems updated minimizes potential access disruptions across mobile hardware.
Slack developer documentation states an unconfirmed plan to end support for legacy custom bots on March 31, 2025. The company continues to roll out tools like Slack Code, Workflow Builder, and Slack AI across mobile and desktop apps. Meanwhile, official app store listings detail over 50 million Google Play downloads alongside user feedback regarding cross-device compatibility.
Why it matters
Ending legacy custom bot support requires enterprise developers to migrate custom workspace bots to scoped permission models. As major firms rely heavily on Slack for daily operations, maintaining app compatibility and smooth integrations is critical.
What you can do
Audit existing custom bots, migrate to permission-scoped Slack apps, and verify device compatibility across employee mobile devices.
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