diff --git a/.changeset/seven-crabs-stick.md b/.changeset/seven-crabs-stick.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..19db3d7042
--- /dev/null
+++ b/.changeset/seven-crabs-stick.md
@@ -0,0 +1,5 @@
+---
+'@backstage/frontend-plugin-api': patch
+---
+
+Added added defaults for all type parameters of `ExtensionDataRef` and deprecated `AnyExtensionDataRef`, as it is now redundant.
diff --git a/packages/frontend-app-api/src/tree/instantiateAppNodeTree.test.ts b/packages/frontend-app-api/src/tree/instantiateAppNodeTree.test.ts
index 0434fd1064..f3201e97b2 100644
--- a/packages/frontend-app-api/src/tree/instantiateAppNodeTree.test.ts
+++ b/packages/frontend-app-api/src/tree/instantiateAppNodeTree.test.ts
@@ -15,9 +15,9 @@
  */
 
 import {
-  AnyExtensionDataRef,
   AppNode,
   Extension,
+  ExtensionDataRef,
   ExtensionInput,
   PortableSchema,
   ResolvedExtensionInput,
@@ -89,7 +89,7 @@ function makeInstanceWithId<TConfig, TConfigInput>(
 }
 
 function createV1ExtensionInput(
-  extensionData: Record<string, AnyExtensionDataRef>,
+  extensionData: Record<string, ExtensionDataRef>,
   options: { singleton?: boolean; optional?: boolean } = {},
 ) {
   return {
@@ -107,7 +107,7 @@ function createV1Extension(opts: {
   name?: string;
   attachTo?: { id: string; input: string };
   inputs?: Record<string, ReturnType<typeof createV1ExtensionInput>>;
-  output: Record<string, AnyExtensionDataRef>;
+  output: Record<string, ExtensionDataRef>;
   configSchema?: PortableSchema<any, any>;
   factory: (ctx: { inputs: any; config: any }) => any;
 }): Extension<any, any> {
diff --git a/packages/frontend-app-api/src/tree/instantiateAppNodeTree.ts b/packages/frontend-app-api/src/tree/instantiateAppNodeTree.ts
index c6a2bae491..408a62702a 100644
--- a/packages/frontend-app-api/src/tree/instantiateAppNodeTree.ts
+++ b/packages/frontend-app-api/src/tree/instantiateAppNodeTree.ts
@@ -15,7 +15,6 @@
  */
 
 import {
-  AnyExtensionDataRef,
   ApiHolder,
   ExtensionDataContainer,
   ExtensionDataRef,
@@ -35,7 +34,7 @@ type Mutable<T> = {
 
 function resolveV1InputDataMap(
   dataMap: {
-    [name in string]: AnyExtensionDataRef;
+    [name in string]: ExtensionDataRef;
   },
   attachment: AppNode,
   inputName: string,
@@ -61,10 +60,10 @@ function resolveV1InputDataMap(
 }
 
 function resolveInputDataContainer(
-  extensionData: Array<AnyExtensionDataRef>,
+  extensionData: Array<ExtensionDataRef>,
   attachment: AppNode,
   inputName: string,
-): { node: AppNode } & ExtensionDataContainer<AnyExtensionDataRef> {
+): { node: AppNode } & ExtensionDataContainer<ExtensionDataRef> {
   const dataMap = new Map<string, unknown>();
 
   for (const ref of extensionData) {
@@ -105,7 +104,7 @@ function resolveInputDataContainer(
         };
       }
     },
-  } as { node: AppNode } & ExtensionDataContainer<AnyExtensionDataRef>;
+  } as { node: AppNode } & ExtensionDataContainer<ExtensionDataRef>;
 }
 
 function reportUndeclaredAttachments(
@@ -141,7 +140,7 @@ function resolveV1Inputs(
     [inputName in string]: {
       $$type: '@backstage/ExtensionInput';
       extensionData: {
-        [name in string]: AnyExtensionDataRef;
+        [name in string]: ExtensionDataRef;
       };
       config: { optional: boolean; singleton: boolean };
     };
@@ -194,14 +193,14 @@ function resolveV1Inputs(
 function resolveV2Inputs(
   inputMap: {
     [inputName in string]: ExtensionInput<
-      AnyExtensionDataRef,
+      ExtensionDataRef,
       { optional: boolean; singleton: boolean }
     >;
   },
   attachments: ReadonlyMap<string, AppNode[]>,
 ): ResolvedExtensionInputs<{
   [inputName in string]: ExtensionInput<
-    AnyExtensionDataRef,
+    ExtensionDataRef,
     { optional: boolean; singleton: boolean }
   >;
 }> {
@@ -236,7 +235,7 @@ function resolveV2Inputs(
     );
   }) as ResolvedExtensionInputs<{
     [inputName in string]: ExtensionInput<
-      AnyExtensionDataRef,
+      ExtensionDataRef,
       { optional: boolean; singleton: boolean }
     >;
   }>;
diff --git a/packages/frontend-internal/src/wiring/InternalExtensionDefinition.ts b/packages/frontend-internal/src/wiring/InternalExtensionDefinition.ts
index 44dfb002ad..83d037902b 100644
--- a/packages/frontend-internal/src/wiring/InternalExtensionDefinition.ts
+++ b/packages/frontend-internal/src/wiring/InternalExtensionDefinition.ts
@@ -15,11 +15,11 @@
  */
 
 import {
-  AnyExtensionDataRef,
   ApiHolder,
   AppNode,
   ExtensionAttachToSpec,
   ExtensionDataValue,
+  ExtensionDataRef,
   ExtensionDefinition,
   ExtensionDefinitionParameters,
   ExtensionInput,
@@ -43,13 +43,13 @@ export const OpaqueExtensionDefinition = OpaqueType.create<{
           [inputName in string]: {
             $$type: '@backstage/ExtensionInput';
             extensionData: {
-              [name in string]: AnyExtensionDataRef;
+              [name in string]: ExtensionDataRef;
             };
             config: { optional: boolean; singleton: boolean };
           };
         };
         readonly output: {
-          [name in string]: AnyExtensionDataRef;
+          [name in string]: ExtensionDataRef;
         };
         factory(context: {
           node: AppNode;
@@ -72,18 +72,18 @@ export const OpaqueExtensionDefinition = OpaqueType.create<{
         readonly configSchema?: PortableSchema<any, any>;
         readonly inputs: {
           [inputName in string]: ExtensionInput<
-            AnyExtensionDataRef,
+            ExtensionDataRef,
             { optional: boolean; singleton: boolean }
           >;
         };
-        readonly output: Array<AnyExtensionDataRef>;
+        readonly output: Array<ExtensionDataRef>;
         factory(context: {
           node: AppNode;
           apis: ApiHolder;
           config: object;
           inputs: ResolvedExtensionInputs<{
             [inputName in string]: ExtensionInput<
-              AnyExtensionDataRef,
+              ExtensionDataRef,
               { optional: boolean; singleton: boolean }
             >;
           }>;
diff --git a/packages/frontend-internal/src/wiring/createExtensionDataContainer.ts b/packages/frontend-internal/src/wiring/createExtensionDataContainer.ts
index e25846a643..e378592cf6 100644
--- a/packages/frontend-internal/src/wiring/createExtensionDataContainer.ts
+++ b/packages/frontend-internal/src/wiring/createExtensionDataContainer.ts
@@ -15,13 +15,12 @@
  */
 
 import {
-  AnyExtensionDataRef,
   ExtensionDataContainer,
   ExtensionDataRef,
   ExtensionDataValue,
 } from '@backstage/frontend-plugin-api';
 
-export function createExtensionDataContainer<UData extends AnyExtensionDataRef>(
+export function createExtensionDataContainer<UData extends ExtensionDataRef>(
   values: Iterable<
     UData extends ExtensionDataRef<infer IData, infer IId>
       ? ExtensionDataValue<IData, IId>
diff --git a/packages/frontend-plugin-api/report.api.md b/packages/frontend-plugin-api/report.api.md
index d1c2dbcb99..a23894cc40 100644
--- a/packages/frontend-plugin-api/report.api.md
+++ b/packages/frontend-plugin-api/report.api.md
@@ -151,14 +151,8 @@ export { AnyApiFactory };
 
 export { AnyApiRef };
 
-// @public (undocumented)
-export type AnyExtensionDataRef = ExtensionDataRef<
-  unknown,
-  string,
-  {
-    optional?: true;
-  }
->;
+// @public @deprecated (undocumented)
+export type AnyExtensionDataRef = ExtensionDataRef;
 
 // @public (undocumented)
 export type AnyExternalRoutes = {
@@ -432,7 +426,7 @@ export function createComponentExtension<TProps extends {}>(options: {
   >;
   inputs: {
     [x: string]: ExtensionInput<
-      AnyExtensionDataRef,
+      ExtensionDataRef,
       {
         optional: boolean;
         singleton: boolean;
@@ -464,10 +458,10 @@ export function createComponentRef<T extends {} = {}>(options: {
 
 // @public (undocumented)
 export function createExtension<
-  UOutput extends AnyExtensionDataRef,
+  UOutput extends ExtensionDataRef,
   TInputs extends {
     [inputName in string]: ExtensionInput<
-      AnyExtensionDataRef,
+      ExtensionDataRef,
       {
         optional: boolean;
         singleton: boolean;
@@ -512,10 +506,10 @@ export function createExtension<
 // @public
 export function createExtensionBlueprint<
   TParams extends object | ExtensionBlueprintParamsDefiner,
-  UOutput extends AnyExtensionDataRef,
+  UOutput extends ExtensionDataRef,
   TInputs extends {
     [inputName in string]: ExtensionInput<
-      AnyExtensionDataRef,
+      ExtensionDataRef,
       {
         optional: boolean;
         singleton: boolean;
@@ -528,7 +522,7 @@ export function createExtensionBlueprint<
   UFactoryOutput extends ExtensionDataValue<any, any>,
   TKind extends string,
   TDataRefs extends {
-    [name in string]: AnyExtensionDataRef;
+    [name in string]: ExtensionDataRef;
   } = never,
 >(
   options: CreateExtensionBlueprintOptions<
@@ -564,10 +558,10 @@ export function createExtensionBlueprint<
 export type CreateExtensionBlueprintOptions<
   TKind extends string,
   TParams extends object | ExtensionBlueprintParamsDefiner,
-  UOutput extends AnyExtensionDataRef,
+  UOutput extends ExtensionDataRef,
   TInputs extends {
     [inputName in string]: ExtensionInput<
-      AnyExtensionDataRef,
+      ExtensionDataRef,
       {
         optional: boolean;
         singleton: boolean;
@@ -579,7 +573,7 @@ export type CreateExtensionBlueprintOptions<
   },
   UFactoryOutput extends ExtensionDataValue<any, any>,
   TDataRefs extends {
-    [name in string]: AnyExtensionDataRef;
+    [name in string]: ExtensionDataRef;
   },
 > = {
   kind: TKind;
@@ -654,10 +648,10 @@ export function createExtensionInput<
 export type CreateExtensionOptions<
   TKind extends string | undefined,
   TName extends string | undefined,
-  UOutput extends AnyExtensionDataRef,
+  UOutput extends ExtensionDataRef,
   TInputs extends {
     [inputName in string]: ExtensionInput<
-      AnyExtensionDataRef,
+      ExtensionDataRef,
       {
         optional: boolean;
         singleton: boolean;
@@ -938,10 +932,10 @@ export interface ExtensionBlueprint<
       [key in string]: (zImpl: typeof z) => z.ZodType;
     },
     UFactoryOutput extends ExtensionDataValue<any, any>,
-    UNewOutput extends AnyExtensionDataRef,
+    UNewOutput extends ExtensionDataRef,
     TExtraInputs extends {
       [inputName in string]: ExtensionInput<
-        AnyExtensionDataRef,
+        ExtensionDataRef,
         {
           optional: boolean;
           singleton: boolean;
@@ -989,7 +983,7 @@ export interface ExtensionBlueprint<
       },
     ): Iterable<UFactoryOutput> &
       VerifyExtensionFactoryOutput<
-        AnyExtensionDataRef extends UNewOutput
+        ExtensionDataRef extends UNewOutput
           ? NonNullable<T['output']>
           : UNewOutput,
         UFactoryOutput
@@ -1013,7 +1007,7 @@ export interface ExtensionBlueprint<
           }>
         >) &
       T['configInput'];
-    output: AnyExtensionDataRef extends UNewOutput ? T['output'] : UNewOutput;
+    output: ExtensionDataRef extends UNewOutput ? T['output'] : UNewOutput;
     inputs: T['inputs'] & TExtraInputs;
     kind: T['kind'];
     name: string | undefined extends TName ? undefined : TName;
@@ -1031,10 +1025,10 @@ export type ExtensionBlueprintParameters = {
   config?: {
     [K in string]: any;
   };
-  output?: AnyExtensionDataRef;
+  output?: ExtensionDataRef;
   inputs?: {
     [KName in string]: ExtensionInput<
-      AnyExtensionDataRef,
+      ExtensionDataRef,
       {
         optional: boolean;
         singleton: boolean;
@@ -1042,7 +1036,7 @@ export type ExtensionBlueprintParameters = {
     >;
   };
   dataRefs?: {
-    [name in string]: AnyExtensionDataRef;
+    [name in string]: ExtensionDataRef;
   };
 };
 
@@ -1084,7 +1078,7 @@ export interface ExtensionBoundaryProps {
 }
 
 // @public (undocumented)
-export type ExtensionDataContainer<UExtensionData extends AnyExtensionDataRef> =
+export type ExtensionDataContainer<UExtensionData extends ExtensionDataRef> =
   Iterable<
     UExtensionData extends ExtensionDataRef<
       infer IData,
@@ -1107,11 +1101,13 @@ export type ExtensionDataContainer<UExtensionData extends AnyExtensionDataRef> =
 
 // @public (undocumented)
 export type ExtensionDataRef<
-  TData,
+  TData = unknown,
   TId extends string = string,
   TConfig extends {
     optional?: true;
-  } = {},
+  } = {
+    optional?: true;
+  },
 > = {
   readonly $$type: '@backstage/ExtensionDataRef';
   readonly id: TId;
@@ -1143,10 +1139,10 @@ export type ExtensionDefinition<
       [key in string]: (zImpl: typeof z) => z.ZodType;
     },
     UFactoryOutput extends ExtensionDataValue<any, any>,
-    UNewOutput extends AnyExtensionDataRef,
+    UNewOutput extends ExtensionDataRef,
     TExtraInputs extends {
       [inputName in string]: ExtensionInput<
-        AnyExtensionDataRef,
+        ExtensionDataRef,
         {
           optional: boolean;
           singleton: boolean;
@@ -1213,7 +1209,7 @@ export type ExtensionDefinition<
           })
     > &
       VerifyExtensionFactoryOutput<
-        AnyExtensionDataRef extends UNewOutput
+        ExtensionDataRef extends UNewOutput
           ? NonNullable<T['output']>
           : UNewOutput,
         UFactoryOutput
@@ -1221,7 +1217,7 @@ export type ExtensionDefinition<
   ): ExtensionDefinition<{
     kind: T['kind'];
     name: T['name'];
-    output: AnyExtensionDataRef extends UNewOutput ? T['output'] : UNewOutput;
+    output: ExtensionDataRef extends UNewOutput ? T['output'] : UNewOutput;
     inputs: T['inputs'] & TExtraInputs;
     config: T['config'] & {
       [key in keyof TExtensionConfigSchema]: z.infer<
@@ -1249,10 +1245,10 @@ export type ExtensionDefinitionParameters = {
   config?: {
     [K in string]: any;
   };
-  output?: AnyExtensionDataRef;
+  output?: ExtensionDataRef;
   inputs?: {
     [KName in string]: ExtensionInput<
-      AnyExtensionDataRef,
+      ExtensionDataRef,
       {
         optional: boolean;
         singleton: boolean;
@@ -1266,7 +1262,7 @@ export type ExtensionDefinitionParameters = {
 export type ExtensionFactoryMiddleware = (
   originalFactory: (contextOverrides?: {
     config?: JsonObject;
-  }) => ExtensionDataContainer<AnyExtensionDataRef>,
+  }) => ExtensionDataContainer<ExtensionDataRef>,
   context: {
     node: AppNode;
     apis: ApiHolder;
@@ -1606,7 +1602,7 @@ export { ProfileInfoApi };
 // @public
 export type ResolvedExtensionInput<
   TExtensionInput extends ExtensionInput<any, any>,
-> = TExtensionInput['extensionData'] extends Array<AnyExtensionDataRef>
+> = TExtensionInput['extensionData'] extends Array<ExtensionDataRef>
   ? {
       node: AppNode;
     } & ExtensionDataContainer<TExtensionInput['extensionData'][number]>
@@ -1629,7 +1625,7 @@ export type ResolvedExtensionInputs<
 export type ResolveInputValueOverrides<
   TInputs extends {
     [inputName in string]: ExtensionInput<
-      AnyExtensionDataRef,
+      ExtensionDataRef,
       {
         optional: boolean;
         singleton: boolean;
@@ -1637,7 +1633,7 @@ export type ResolveInputValueOverrides<
     >;
   } = {
     [inputName in string]: ExtensionInput<
-      AnyExtensionDataRef,
+      ExtensionDataRef,
       {
         optional: boolean;
         singleton: boolean;
diff --git a/packages/frontend-plugin-api/src/wiring/createExtension.ts b/packages/frontend-plugin-api/src/wiring/createExtension.ts
index 8ade3d63c9..a3e88065b0 100644
--- a/packages/frontend-plugin-api/src/wiring/createExtension.ts
+++ b/packages/frontend-plugin-api/src/wiring/createExtension.ts
@@ -21,10 +21,7 @@ import {
   resolveInputOverrides,
 } from './resolveInputOverrides';
 import { createExtensionDataContainer } from '@internal/frontend';
-import {
-  AnyExtensionDataRef,
-  ExtensionDataValue,
-} from './createExtensionDataRef';
+import { ExtensionDataRef, ExtensionDataValue } from './createExtensionDataRef';
 import { ExtensionInput } from './createExtensionInput';
 import { z } from 'zod';
 import { createSchemaFromZod } from '../schema/createSchemaFromZod';
@@ -44,7 +41,7 @@ export const ctxParamsSymbol = Symbol('params');
  */
 export type ResolvedExtensionInput<
   TExtensionInput extends ExtensionInput<any, any>,
-> = TExtensionInput['extensionData'] extends Array<AnyExtensionDataRef>
+> = TExtensionInput['extensionData'] extends Array<ExtensionDataRef>
   ? {
       node: AppNode;
     } & ExtensionDataContainer<TExtensionInput['extensionData'][number]>
@@ -91,7 +88,7 @@ type JoinStringUnion<
 
 /** @ignore */
 export type VerifyExtensionFactoryOutput<
-  UDeclaredOutput extends AnyExtensionDataRef,
+  UDeclaredOutput extends ExtensionDataRef,
   UFactoryOutput extends ExtensionDataValue<any, any>,
 > = (
   UDeclaredOutput extends any
@@ -120,10 +117,10 @@ export type ExtensionAttachToSpec =
 export type CreateExtensionOptions<
   TKind extends string | undefined,
   TName extends string | undefined,
-  UOutput extends AnyExtensionDataRef,
+  UOutput extends ExtensionDataRef,
   TInputs extends {
     [inputName in string]: ExtensionInput<
-      AnyExtensionDataRef,
+      ExtensionDataRef,
       { optional: boolean; singleton: boolean }
     >;
   },
@@ -155,10 +152,10 @@ export type ExtensionDefinitionParameters = {
   name?: string;
   configInput?: { [K in string]: any };
   config?: { [K in string]: any };
-  output?: AnyExtensionDataRef;
+  output?: ExtensionDataRef;
   inputs?: {
     [KName in string]: ExtensionInput<
-      AnyExtensionDataRef,
+      ExtensionDataRef,
       { optional: boolean; singleton: boolean }
     >;
   };
@@ -191,10 +188,10 @@ export type ExtensionDefinition<
       [key in string]: (zImpl: typeof z) => z.ZodType;
     },
     UFactoryOutput extends ExtensionDataValue<any, any>,
-    UNewOutput extends AnyExtensionDataRef,
+    UNewOutput extends ExtensionDataRef,
     TExtraInputs extends {
       [inputName in string]: ExtensionInput<
-        AnyExtensionDataRef,
+        ExtensionDataRef,
         { optional: boolean; singleton: boolean }
       >;
     },
@@ -258,7 +255,7 @@ export type ExtensionDefinition<
           })
     > &
       VerifyExtensionFactoryOutput<
-        AnyExtensionDataRef extends UNewOutput
+        ExtensionDataRef extends UNewOutput
           ? NonNullable<T['output']>
           : UNewOutput,
         UFactoryOutput
@@ -266,7 +263,7 @@ export type ExtensionDefinition<
   ): ExtensionDefinition<{
     kind: T['kind'];
     name: T['name'];
-    output: AnyExtensionDataRef extends UNewOutput ? T['output'] : UNewOutput;
+    output: ExtensionDataRef extends UNewOutput ? T['output'] : UNewOutput;
     inputs: T['inputs'] & TExtraInputs;
     config: T['config'] & {
       [key in keyof TExtensionConfigSchema]: z.infer<
@@ -286,10 +283,10 @@ export type ExtensionDefinition<
 
 /** @public */
 export function createExtension<
-  UOutput extends AnyExtensionDataRef,
+  UOutput extends ExtensionDataRef,
   TInputs extends {
     [inputName in string]: ExtensionInput<
-      AnyExtensionDataRef,
+      ExtensionDataRef,
       { optional: boolean; singleton: boolean }
     >;
   },
@@ -410,7 +407,7 @@ export function createExtension<
         disabled: overrideOptions.disabled ?? options.disabled,
         inputs: { ...overrideOptions.inputs, ...options.inputs },
         output: (overrideOptions.output ??
-          options.output) as AnyExtensionDataRef[],
+          options.output) as ExtensionDataRef[],
         config:
           options.config || overrideOptions.config
             ? {
diff --git a/packages/frontend-plugin-api/src/wiring/createExtensionBlueprint.ts b/packages/frontend-plugin-api/src/wiring/createExtensionBlueprint.ts
index 159596caf4..d80034a994 100644
--- a/packages/frontend-plugin-api/src/wiring/createExtensionBlueprint.ts
+++ b/packages/frontend-plugin-api/src/wiring/createExtensionBlueprint.ts
@@ -27,10 +27,7 @@ import {
 } from './createExtension';
 import { z } from 'zod';
 import { ExtensionInput } from './createExtensionInput';
-import {
-  AnyExtensionDataRef,
-  ExtensionDataValue,
-} from './createExtensionDataRef';
+import { ExtensionDataRef, ExtensionDataValue } from './createExtensionDataRef';
 import { createExtensionDataContainer } from '@internal/frontend';
 import {
   ResolveInputValueOverrides,
@@ -104,16 +101,16 @@ export function createExtensionBlueprintParams<T extends object = object>(
 export type CreateExtensionBlueprintOptions<
   TKind extends string,
   TParams extends object | ExtensionBlueprintParamsDefiner,
-  UOutput extends AnyExtensionDataRef,
+  UOutput extends ExtensionDataRef,
   TInputs extends {
     [inputName in string]: ExtensionInput<
-      AnyExtensionDataRef,
+      ExtensionDataRef,
       { optional: boolean; singleton: boolean }
     >;
   },
   TConfigSchema extends { [key in string]: (zImpl: typeof z) => z.ZodType },
   UFactoryOutput extends ExtensionDataValue<any, any>,
-  TDataRefs extends { [name in string]: AnyExtensionDataRef },
+  TDataRefs extends { [name in string]: ExtensionDataRef },
 > = {
   kind: TKind;
   attachTo: ExtensionAttachToSpec;
@@ -187,14 +184,14 @@ export type ExtensionBlueprintParameters = {
   params?: object | ExtensionBlueprintParamsDefiner;
   configInput?: { [K in string]: any };
   config?: { [K in string]: any };
-  output?: AnyExtensionDataRef;
+  output?: ExtensionDataRef;
   inputs?: {
     [KName in string]: ExtensionInput<
-      AnyExtensionDataRef,
+      ExtensionDataRef,
       { optional: boolean; singleton: boolean }
     >;
   };
-  dataRefs?: { [name in string]: AnyExtensionDataRef };
+  dataRefs?: { [name in string]: ExtensionDataRef };
 };
 
 /** @ignore */
@@ -258,10 +255,10 @@ export interface ExtensionBlueprint<
       [key in string]: (zImpl: typeof z) => z.ZodType;
     },
     UFactoryOutput extends ExtensionDataValue<any, any>,
-    UNewOutput extends AnyExtensionDataRef,
+    UNewOutput extends ExtensionDataRef,
     TExtraInputs extends {
       [inputName in string]: ExtensionInput<
-        AnyExtensionDataRef,
+        ExtensionDataRef,
         { optional: boolean; singleton: boolean }
       >;
     },
@@ -306,7 +303,7 @@ export interface ExtensionBlueprint<
       },
     ): Iterable<UFactoryOutput> &
       VerifyExtensionFactoryOutput<
-        AnyExtensionDataRef extends UNewOutput
+        ExtensionDataRef extends UNewOutput
           ? NonNullable<T['output']>
           : UNewOutput,
         UFactoryOutput
@@ -330,7 +327,7 @@ export interface ExtensionBlueprint<
           }>
         >) &
       T['configInput'];
-    output: AnyExtensionDataRef extends UNewOutput ? T['output'] : UNewOutput;
+    output: ExtensionDataRef extends UNewOutput ? T['output'] : UNewOutput;
     inputs: T['inputs'] & TExtraInputs;
     kind: T['kind'];
     name: string | undefined extends TName ? undefined : TName;
@@ -416,17 +413,17 @@ function unwrapParams<TParams extends object>(
  */
 export function createExtensionBlueprint<
   TParams extends object | ExtensionBlueprintParamsDefiner,
-  UOutput extends AnyExtensionDataRef,
+  UOutput extends ExtensionDataRef,
   TInputs extends {
     [inputName in string]: ExtensionInput<
-      AnyExtensionDataRef,
+      ExtensionDataRef,
       { optional: boolean; singleton: boolean }
     >;
   },
   TConfigSchema extends { [key in string]: (zImpl: typeof z) => z.ZodType },
   UFactoryOutput extends ExtensionDataValue<any, any>,
   TKind extends string,
-  TDataRefs extends { [name in string]: AnyExtensionDataRef } = never,
+  TDataRefs extends { [name in string]: ExtensionDataRef } = never,
 >(
   options: CreateExtensionBlueprintOptions<
     TKind,
@@ -467,7 +464,7 @@ export function createExtensionBlueprint<
         attachTo: args.attachTo ?? options.attachTo,
         disabled: args.disabled ?? options.disabled,
         inputs: options.inputs,
-        output: options.output as AnyExtensionDataRef[],
+        output: options.output as ExtensionDataRef[],
         config: options.config,
         factory: ctx =>
           options.factory(
@@ -483,7 +480,7 @@ export function createExtensionBlueprint<
         attachTo: args.attachTo ?? options.attachTo,
         disabled: args.disabled ?? options.disabled,
         inputs: { ...args.inputs, ...options.inputs },
-        output: (args.output ?? options.output) as AnyExtensionDataRef[],
+        output: (args.output ?? options.output) as ExtensionDataRef[],
         config:
           options.config || args.config
             ? {
diff --git a/packages/frontend-plugin-api/src/wiring/createExtensionDataRef.ts b/packages/frontend-plugin-api/src/wiring/createExtensionDataRef.ts
index 94acb192a8..1bfbb01740 100644
--- a/packages/frontend-plugin-api/src/wiring/createExtensionDataRef.ts
+++ b/packages/frontend-plugin-api/src/wiring/createExtensionDataRef.ts
@@ -23,9 +23,9 @@ export type ExtensionDataValue<TData, TId extends string> = {
 
 /** @public */
 export type ExtensionDataRef<
-  TData,
+  TData = unknown,
   TId extends string = string,
-  TConfig extends { optional?: true } = {},
+  TConfig extends { optional?: true } = { optional?: true },
 > = {
   readonly $$type: '@backstage/ExtensionDataRef';
   readonly id: TId;
@@ -39,12 +39,11 @@ export type ExtensionDataRefToValue<TDataRef extends AnyExtensionDataRef> =
     ? ExtensionDataValue<IData, IId>
     : never;
 
-/** @public */
-export type AnyExtensionDataRef = ExtensionDataRef<
-  unknown,
-  string,
-  { optional?: true }
->;
+/**
+ * @deprecated Use `ExtensionDataRef` without type parameters instead.
+ * @public
+ */
+export type AnyExtensionDataRef = ExtensionDataRef;
 
 /** @public */
 export interface ConfigurableExtensionDataRef<
diff --git a/packages/frontend-plugin-api/src/wiring/resolveExtensionDefinition.ts b/packages/frontend-plugin-api/src/wiring/resolveExtensionDefinition.ts
index c3ff381fdc..a5b6859e1a 100644
--- a/packages/frontend-plugin-api/src/wiring/resolveExtensionDefinition.ts
+++ b/packages/frontend-plugin-api/src/wiring/resolveExtensionDefinition.ts
@@ -23,10 +23,7 @@ import {
 } from './createExtension';
 import { PortableSchema } from '../schema';
 import { ExtensionInput } from './createExtensionInput';
-import {
-  AnyExtensionDataRef,
-  ExtensionDataValue,
-} from './createExtensionDataRef';
+import { ExtensionDataRef, ExtensionDataValue } from './createExtensionDataRef';
 import { OpaqueExtensionDefinition } from '@internal/frontend';
 
 /** @public */
@@ -50,13 +47,13 @@ export type InternalExtension<TConfig, TConfigInput> = Extension<
           [inputName in string]: {
             $$type: '@backstage/ExtensionInput';
             extensionData: {
-              [name in string]: AnyExtensionDataRef;
+              [name in string]: ExtensionDataRef;
             };
             config: { optional: boolean; singleton: boolean };
           };
         };
         readonly output: {
-          [name in string]: AnyExtensionDataRef;
+          [name in string]: ExtensionDataRef;
         };
         factory(context: {
           apis: ApiHolder;
@@ -73,18 +70,18 @@ export type InternalExtension<TConfig, TConfigInput> = Extension<
         readonly version: 'v2';
         readonly inputs: {
           [inputName in string]: ExtensionInput<
-            AnyExtensionDataRef,
+            ExtensionDataRef,
             { optional: boolean; singleton: boolean }
           >;
         };
-        readonly output: Array<AnyExtensionDataRef>;
+        readonly output: Array<ExtensionDataRef>;
         factory(options: {
           apis: ApiHolder;
           node: AppNode;
           config: TConfig;
           inputs: ResolvedExtensionInputs<{
             [inputName in string]: ExtensionInput<
-              AnyExtensionDataRef,
+              ExtensionDataRef,
               { optional: boolean; singleton: boolean }
             >;
           }>;
diff --git a/packages/frontend-plugin-api/src/wiring/resolveInputOverrides.ts b/packages/frontend-plugin-api/src/wiring/resolveInputOverrides.ts
index b93f7ce370..d786ac66e8 100644
--- a/packages/frontend-plugin-api/src/wiring/resolveInputOverrides.ts
+++ b/packages/frontend-plugin-api/src/wiring/resolveInputOverrides.ts
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ import { Expand } from '@backstage/types';
 import { ResolvedExtensionInput } from './createExtension';
 import { createExtensionDataContainer } from '@internal/frontend';
 import {
-  AnyExtensionDataRef,
+  ExtensionDataRef,
   ExtensionDataRefToValue,
   ExtensionDataValue,
 } from './createExtensionDataRef';
@@ -30,12 +30,12 @@ import { ExtensionDataContainer } from './types';
 export type ResolveInputValueOverrides<
   TInputs extends {
     [inputName in string]: ExtensionInput<
-      AnyExtensionDataRef,
+      ExtensionDataRef,
       { optional: boolean; singleton: boolean }
     >;
   } = {
     [inputName in string]: ExtensionInput<
-      AnyExtensionDataRef,
+      ExtensionDataRef,
       { optional: boolean; singleton: boolean }
     >;
   },
@@ -92,7 +92,7 @@ function expectItem<T>(value: T | T[]): T {
 export function resolveInputOverrides(
   declaredInputs?: {
     [inputName in string]: ExtensionInput<
-      AnyExtensionDataRef,
+      ExtensionDataRef,
       { optional: boolean; singleton: boolean }
     >;
   },
diff --git a/packages/frontend-plugin-api/src/wiring/types.ts b/packages/frontend-plugin-api/src/wiring/types.ts
index 22bcbdadb7..57fd06fdcf 100644
--- a/packages/frontend-plugin-api/src/wiring/types.ts
+++ b/packages/frontend-plugin-api/src/wiring/types.ts
@@ -17,11 +17,7 @@
 import { JsonObject } from '@backstage/types';
 import { ExternalRouteRef, RouteRef, SubRouteRef } from '../routing';
 import { ExtensionDefinition } from './createExtension';
-import {
-  AnyExtensionDataRef,
-  ExtensionDataRef,
-  ExtensionDataValue,
-} from './createExtensionDataRef';
+import { ExtensionDataRef, ExtensionDataValue } from './createExtensionDataRef';
 import { ApiHolder, AppNode } from '../apis';
 import { FrontendModule } from './createFrontendModule';
 import { FrontendPlugin } from './createFrontendPlugin';
@@ -50,7 +46,7 @@ export type ExtensionMap<
 };
 
 /** @public */
-export type ExtensionDataContainer<UExtensionData extends AnyExtensionDataRef> =
+export type ExtensionDataContainer<UExtensionData extends ExtensionDataRef> =
   Iterable<
     UExtensionData extends ExtensionDataRef<
       infer IData,
@@ -75,7 +71,7 @@ export type ExtensionDataContainer<UExtensionData extends AnyExtensionDataRef> =
 export type ExtensionFactoryMiddleware = (
   originalFactory: (contextOverrides?: {
     config?: JsonObject;
-  }) => ExtensionDataContainer<AnyExtensionDataRef>,
+  }) => ExtensionDataContainer<ExtensionDataRef>,
   context: {
     node: AppNode;
     apis: ApiHolder;
diff --git a/packages/frontend-test-utils/report.api.md b/packages/frontend-test-utils/report.api.md
index e498976b3b..db31c082ea 100644
--- a/packages/frontend-test-utils/report.api.md
+++ b/packages/frontend-test-utils/report.api.md
@@ -5,7 +5,6 @@
 ```ts
 import { AnalyticsApi } from '@backstage/frontend-plugin-api';
 import { AnalyticsEvent } from '@backstage/frontend-plugin-api';
-import { AnyExtensionDataRef } from '@backstage/frontend-plugin-api';
 import { ApiMock } from '@backstage/test-utils';
 import { AppNode } from '@backstage/frontend-plugin-api';
 import { AppNodeInstance } from '@backstage/frontend-plugin-api';
@@ -45,7 +44,7 @@ export function createExtensionTester<T extends ExtensionDefinitionParameters>(
 export { ErrorWithContext };
 
 // @public (undocumented)
-export class ExtensionQuery<UOutput extends AnyExtensionDataRef> {
+export class ExtensionQuery<UOutput extends ExtensionDataRef> {
   constructor(node: AppNode);
   // (undocumented)
   get<TId extends UOutput['id']>(
@@ -62,7 +61,7 @@ export class ExtensionQuery<UOutput extends AnyExtensionDataRef> {
 }
 
 // @public (undocumented)
-export class ExtensionTester<UOutput extends AnyExtensionDataRef> {
+export class ExtensionTester<UOutput extends ExtensionDataRef> {
   // (undocumented)
   add<T extends ExtensionDefinitionParameters>(
     extension: ExtensionDefinition<T>,
diff --git a/packages/frontend-test-utils/src/app/createExtensionTester.tsx b/packages/frontend-test-utils/src/app/createExtensionTester.tsx
index 37ec1d8fd9..7b321d4413 100644
--- a/packages/frontend-test-utils/src/app/createExtensionTester.tsx
+++ b/packages/frontend-test-utils/src/app/createExtensionTester.tsx
@@ -15,7 +15,6 @@
  */
 
 import {
-  AnyExtensionDataRef,
   AppNode,
   AppTree,
   Extension,
@@ -40,7 +39,7 @@ import { TestApiRegistry } from '@backstage/test-utils';
 import { OpaqueExtensionDefinition } from '@internal/frontend';
 
 /** @public */
-export class ExtensionQuery<UOutput extends AnyExtensionDataRef> {
+export class ExtensionQuery<UOutput extends ExtensionDataRef> {
   #node: AppNode;
 
   constructor(node: AppNode) {
@@ -75,7 +74,7 @@ export class ExtensionQuery<UOutput extends AnyExtensionDataRef> {
 }
 
 /** @public */
-export class ExtensionTester<UOutput extends AnyExtensionDataRef> {
+export class ExtensionTester<UOutput extends ExtensionDataRef> {
   /** @internal */
   static forSubject<T extends ExtensionDefinitionParameters>(
     subject: ExtensionDefinition<T>,
diff --git a/plugins/api-docs/report-alpha.api.md b/plugins/api-docs/report-alpha.api.md
index c383ea810c..56b0767bab 100644
--- a/plugins/api-docs/report-alpha.api.md
+++ b/plugins/api-docs/report-alpha.api.md
@@ -4,7 +4,6 @@
 
 ```ts
 import { AnyApiFactory } from '@backstage/frontend-plugin-api';
-import { AnyExtensionDataRef } from '@backstage/frontend-plugin-api';
 import { AnyRouteRefParams } from '@backstage/frontend-plugin-api';
 import { ApiFactory } from '@backstage/frontend-plugin-api';
 import { ConfigurableExtensionDataRef } from '@backstage/frontend-plugin-api';
@@ -13,6 +12,7 @@ import { Entity } from '@backstage/catalog-model';
 import { EntityCardType } from '@backstage/plugin-catalog-react/alpha';
 import { EntityPredicate } from '@backstage/plugin-catalog-react/alpha';
 import { ExtensionBlueprintParams } from '@backstage/frontend-plugin-api';
+import { ExtensionDataRef } from '@backstage/frontend-plugin-api';
 import { ExtensionDefinition } from '@backstage/frontend-plugin-api';
 import { ExtensionInput } from '@backstage/frontend-plugin-api';
 import { ExternalRouteRef } from '@backstage/frontend-plugin-api';
@@ -495,7 +495,7 @@ const _default: FrontendPlugin<
           >;
       inputs: {
         [x: string]: ExtensionInput<
-          AnyExtensionDataRef,
+          ExtensionDataRef,
           {
             optional: boolean;
             singleton: boolean;
diff --git a/plugins/app/report.api.md b/plugins/app/report.api.md
index 846a4c59fe..70b1e39651 100644
--- a/plugins/app/report.api.md
+++ b/plugins/app/report.api.md
@@ -4,7 +4,6 @@
 
 ```ts
 import { AnyApiFactory } from '@backstage/frontend-plugin-api';
-import { AnyExtensionDataRef } from '@backstage/frontend-plugin-api';
 import { AnyRouteRefParams } from '@backstage/frontend-plugin-api';
 import { ApiFactory } from '@backstage/frontend-plugin-api';
 import { AppTheme } from '@backstage/frontend-plugin-api';
@@ -12,6 +11,7 @@ import { ComponentRef } from '@backstage/frontend-plugin-api';
 import { ComponentType } from 'react';
 import { ConfigurableExtensionDataRef } from '@backstage/frontend-plugin-api';
 import { ExtensionBlueprintParams } from '@backstage/frontend-plugin-api';
+import { ExtensionDataRef } from '@backstage/frontend-plugin-api';
 import { ExtensionDefinition } from '@backstage/frontend-plugin-api';
 import { ExtensionInput } from '@backstage/frontend-plugin-api';
 import { FrontendPlugin } from '@backstage/frontend-plugin-api';
@@ -802,7 +802,7 @@ const appPlugin: FrontendPlugin<
       >;
       inputs: {
         [x: string]: ExtensionInput<
-          AnyExtensionDataRef,
+          ExtensionDataRef,
           {
             optional: boolean;
             singleton: boolean;
@@ -825,7 +825,7 @@ const appPlugin: FrontendPlugin<
       >;
       inputs: {
         [x: string]: ExtensionInput<
-          AnyExtensionDataRef,
+          ExtensionDataRef,
           {
             optional: boolean;
             singleton: boolean;
diff --git a/plugins/catalog-graph/report-alpha.api.md b/plugins/catalog-graph/report-alpha.api.md
index 230edde3da..7f9f2b16b1 100644
--- a/plugins/catalog-graph/report-alpha.api.md
+++ b/plugins/catalog-graph/report-alpha.api.md
@@ -3,13 +3,13 @@
 > Do not edit this file. It is a report generated by [API Extractor](https://api-extractor.com/).
 
 ```ts
-import { AnyExtensionDataRef } from '@backstage/frontend-plugin-api';
 import { AnyRouteRefParams } from '@backstage/frontend-plugin-api';
 import { ConfigurableExtensionDataRef } from '@backstage/frontend-plugin-api';
 import { Direction } from '@backstage/plugin-catalog-graph';
 import { Entity } from '@backstage/catalog-model';
 import { EntityCardType } from '@backstage/plugin-catalog-react/alpha';
 import { EntityPredicate } from '@backstage/plugin-catalog-react/alpha';
+import { ExtensionDataRef } from '@backstage/frontend-plugin-api';
 import { ExtensionDefinition } from '@backstage/frontend-plugin-api';
 import { ExtensionInput } from '@backstage/frontend-plugin-api';
 import { ExternalRouteRef } from '@backstage/frontend-plugin-api';
@@ -117,7 +117,7 @@ const _default: FrontendPlugin<
           >;
       inputs: {
         [x: string]: ExtensionInput<
-          AnyExtensionDataRef,
+          ExtensionDataRef,
           {
             optional: boolean;
             singleton: boolean;
@@ -179,7 +179,7 @@ const _default: FrontendPlugin<
           >;
       inputs: {
         [x: string]: ExtensionInput<
-          AnyExtensionDataRef,
+          ExtensionDataRef,
           {
             optional: boolean;
             singleton: boolean;
diff --git a/plugins/catalog/report-alpha.api.md b/plugins/catalog/report-alpha.api.md
index cfbbc5388e..b7f5f7c4dd 100644
--- a/plugins/catalog/report-alpha.api.md
+++ b/plugins/catalog/report-alpha.api.md
@@ -4,7 +4,6 @@
 
 ```ts
 import { AnyApiFactory } from '@backstage/frontend-plugin-api';
-import { AnyExtensionDataRef } from '@backstage/frontend-plugin-api';
 import { AnyRouteRefParams } from '@backstage/frontend-plugin-api';
 import { ApiFactory } from '@backstage/frontend-plugin-api';
 import { ConfigurableExtensionDataRef } from '@backstage/frontend-plugin-api';
@@ -15,6 +14,7 @@ import { EntityContentLayoutProps } from '@backstage/plugin-catalog-react/alpha'
 import { EntityContextMenuItemParams } from '@backstage/plugin-catalog-react/alpha';
 import { EntityPredicate } from '@backstage/plugin-catalog-react/alpha';
 import { ExtensionBlueprintParams } from '@backstage/frontend-plugin-api';
+import { ExtensionDataRef } from '@backstage/frontend-plugin-api';
 import { ExtensionDefinition } from '@backstage/frontend-plugin-api';
 import { ExtensionInput } from '@backstage/frontend-plugin-api';
 import { ExternalRouteRef } from '@backstage/frontend-plugin-api';
@@ -208,7 +208,7 @@ const _default: FrontendPlugin<
       >;
       inputs: {
         [x: string]: ExtensionInput<
-          AnyExtensionDataRef,
+          ExtensionDataRef,
           {
             optional: boolean;
             singleton: boolean;
@@ -250,7 +250,7 @@ const _default: FrontendPlugin<
       >;
       inputs: {
         [x: string]: ExtensionInput<
-          AnyExtensionDataRef,
+          ExtensionDataRef,
           {
             optional: boolean;
             singleton: boolean;
@@ -277,7 +277,7 @@ const _default: FrontendPlugin<
       >;
       inputs: {
         [x: string]: ExtensionInput<
-          AnyExtensionDataRef,
+          ExtensionDataRef,
           {
             optional: boolean;
             singleton: boolean;
diff --git a/plugins/org/report-alpha.api.md b/plugins/org/report-alpha.api.md
index 840a5472dd..10ecee8a33 100644
--- a/plugins/org/report-alpha.api.md
+++ b/plugins/org/report-alpha.api.md
@@ -3,11 +3,11 @@
 > Do not edit this file. It is a report generated by [API Extractor](https://api-extractor.com/).
 
 ```ts
-import { AnyExtensionDataRef } from '@backstage/frontend-plugin-api';
 import { ConfigurableExtensionDataRef } from '@backstage/frontend-plugin-api';
 import { Entity } from '@backstage/catalog-model';
 import { EntityCardType } from '@backstage/plugin-catalog-react/alpha';
 import { EntityPredicate } from '@backstage/plugin-catalog-react/alpha';
+import { ExtensionDataRef } from '@backstage/frontend-plugin-api';
 import { ExtensionDefinition } from '@backstage/frontend-plugin-api';
 import { ExtensionInput } from '@backstage/frontend-plugin-api';
 import { ExternalRouteRef } from '@backstage/frontend-plugin-api';
@@ -185,7 +185,7 @@ const _default: FrontendPlugin<
           >;
       inputs: {
         [x: string]: ExtensionInput<
-          AnyExtensionDataRef,
+          ExtensionDataRef,
           {
             optional: boolean;
             singleton: boolean;
diff --git a/plugins/techdocs/report-alpha.api.md b/plugins/techdocs/report-alpha.api.md
index fd63ec1daa..00b1e9b898 100644
--- a/plugins/techdocs/report-alpha.api.md
+++ b/plugins/techdocs/report-alpha.api.md
@@ -4,7 +4,6 @@
 
 ```ts
 import { AnyApiFactory } from '@backstage/frontend-plugin-api';
-import { AnyExtensionDataRef } from '@backstage/frontend-plugin-api';
 import { AnyRouteRefParams } from '@backstage/frontend-plugin-api';
 import { ApiFactory } from '@backstage/frontend-plugin-api';
 import { ConfigurableExtensionDataRef } from '@backstage/frontend-plugin-api';
@@ -12,6 +11,7 @@ import { defaultEntityContentGroups } from '@backstage/plugin-catalog-react/alph
 import { Entity } from '@backstage/catalog-model';
 import { EntityPredicate } from '@backstage/plugin-catalog-react/alpha';
 import { ExtensionBlueprintParams } from '@backstage/frontend-plugin-api';
+import { ExtensionDataRef } from '@backstage/frontend-plugin-api';
 import { ExtensionDefinition } from '@backstage/frontend-plugin-api';
 import { ExtensionInput } from '@backstage/frontend-plugin-api';
 import { FrontendPlugin } from '@backstage/frontend-plugin-api';
@@ -87,7 +87,7 @@ const _default: FrontendPlugin<
       >;
       inputs: {
         [x: string]: ExtensionInput<
-          AnyExtensionDataRef,
+          ExtensionDataRef,
           {
             optional: boolean;
             singleton: boolean;
@@ -335,7 +335,7 @@ const _default: FrontendPlugin<
       >;
       inputs: {
         [x: string]: ExtensionInput<
-          AnyExtensionDataRef,
+          ExtensionDataRef,
           {
             optional: boolean;
             singleton: boolean;
@@ -378,7 +378,7 @@ export const techDocsSearchResultListItemExtension: ExtensionDefinition<{
   >;
   inputs: {
     [x: string]: ExtensionInput<
-      AnyExtensionDataRef,
+      ExtensionDataRef,
       {
         optional: boolean;
         singleton: boolean;