Mandatory Update to Build 1440 in 2025
Early in 2025, MetaQuotes released Build 1440 of MT4—its final major update for the legacy terminal. By July 1, 2025, all older MT4 versions lost connectivity to broker servers. This forced every user to install Build 1440 if they wished to keep trading, running automated scripts, and accessing historical data without interruption.
- Why it mattered: Brokers quickly disabled obsolete builds, leaving anyone on earlier releases essentially locked out.
- How traders adapted: Most migrated overnight; others scrambled to test compatibility with custom indicators.
Cessation of New MT4 Licenses
In Q1 2025 MetaQuotes halted issuance of all new MT4 licenses, signaling that no new brokerage partners or white-label vendors can onboard the platform. Existing licensees retain access, but newcomers are directed toward MT5.
- Industry impact: Smaller brokers evaluating their tech stack now lean heavily toward MT5 or alternative gateways.
- Longer-term effect: Without a growing user base or renewal fees from new partners, MT4’s ecosystem will gradually shrink.
Shift in Development Focus to MT5
Investment in MT5’s roadmap has accelerated, leaving MT4 essentially in maintenance mode. Key enhancements—such as multi-asset trading, depth-of-market displays, and a modernized MQL5 environment—receive all new features and security patches.
- Advanced charting: More timeframes, built-in Python integration, and customizable UI layouts.
- Algorithmic edge: Native support for hedging and netting, plus a faster strategy tester.
Source: comparative analysis at J2 T.
Impact on Traders and Brokers
Connectivity Issues and Legacy EAs
Many traders rely on bespoke Expert Advisors (EAs) developed over years. The abrupt server cutoff meant:
- Immediate downtime for strategies not tested on Build 1440.
- Recompilation of MQL4 scripts to ensure compatibility.
- Data-feed adjustments as some brokers tweaked APIs for the new build.
Security, Performance and Ongoing Support
| Aspect | MT4 Build 1440 | MT5 (Current) |
| Security patches | Bug-fix only; minimal | Regular updates; proactive |
| Execution speed | Moderate; older engine | Optimized; multi-threaded |
| Vendor support | Declining; legacy helpdesk | Active; extensive knowledge base |
| Community plugins | Static library | Growing repository |
What Happened to MetaTrader 4 Tips for Migration
Backing Up and Migrating Expert Advisors
- Export all source files: Retrieve .mq4 and supplementary assets.
- Test in demo mode: Run each EA on Build 1440 demo servers.
- Use MQL5 Wizard: Convert simple indicators automatically; complex scripts may need manual rewriting.
Leveraging MT5’s Multi-Asset and Algorithmic Features
- Portfolio strategies: Consolidate Forex, stocks, and crypto under one roof.
- Python integration: Tap into powerful data-science libraries.
- Optimized backtesting: Leverage distributed testing across multiple cores or cloud nodes.
Alternatives to MetaTrader 4 in 2025
| Platform | Strengths | Considerations |
| cTrader | Sleek interface, ECN connectivity, fast fills | Smaller script library than MT4 |
| TradingView | Cloud-based charts, vibrant social network | No native order execution (via brokers) |
| NinjaTrader | Advanced order types, deep customization | Windows-only; steeper learning curve |
- cTrader: Favoured by ECN traders for transparent pricing and low latency.
- TradingView: Ideal for chart-centric research and community-driven ideas.
- NinjaTrader: A go-to for futures and options, offering conditional orders and complex alerts.
What’s Next for MetaTrader 4?
MT4 will linger as a stalwart for legacy systems, but with every passing year its community support and broker adoption will wane. We anticipate:
- Sunsetting of hosting services by some VPS providers.
- Rising transaction fees as maintenance costs are spread over fewer users.
- Eventual deprecation announcements, mirroring past platform lifecycles.
MetaTrader 4 & 5 on iOS: Executive Update on App Store Availability
Despite past hiccups, both MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 remain fully accessible on Apple’s App Store as of 2025. Here’s a concise timeline:
- Temporary removal in September 2022
On September 24, 2022, Apple briefly pulled both MT4 and MT5 for review non-compliance, blocking new downloads and updates while allowing existing installations to function (Finance Magnates). - Reinstatement in March 2023
After addressing Apple’s requirements, MetaQuotes restored both apps on March 6, 2023, re-enabling full download and update capabilities for iOS users (Vantage Markets). - Stable listing since reinstatement
No further removals have been announced. As of early 2025, MT4 Build 1440 and the latest MT5 versions continue to be listed and supported on both iOS and Android—the most recent MT4 update can be found in the MetaQuotes announcement: Build 1440 release.
Conclusion
MetaTrader 4’s forced upgrade and license freeze in 2025 mark the beginning of its sunset. While it remains functional for now, the ecosystem’s momentum has shifted decisively to MT5 and other modern terminals. Savvy traders will prepare by porting custom tools, exploring new environments, and leveraging next-generation capabilities.