News

Amazon Appstore Shutdown

• ByStartupStory     |    February 22, 2025

Amazon has announced that it will discontinue the Amazon Appstore for Android devices starting August 20, 2025. Users will no longer have access to the app store on non-Amazon devices, and all app-related services will be suspended. The move comes as the company shifts its focus towards its own ecosystem of devices, where the majority of its customers engage with the Appstore.

As part of the transition, developers will still be able to update existing apps, but they will no longer be able to submit new applications to the platform. Additionally, users will be unable to make in-app purchases through the Amazon Appstore once the shutdown takes effect. However, the Appstore will continue to function on Amazon-owned devices, including Fire TV and Fire Tablet, ensuring continued service for customers who use Amazon’s proprietary hardware.

The company has also announced the discontinuation of its Amazon Coins program. Sales of Amazon Coins ended on February 20, 2025, and any remaining coins in user accounts after August 20, 2025, will be refunded. The digital currency, which allowed customers to purchase games and apps at a discounted rate, was a unique feature of the Amazon Appstore but failed to gain widespread adoption.

Amazon cited a lack of significant user engagement on non-Amazon devices as a key reason for shutting down the Android version of its Appstore. According to a report by TechCrunch, only a small fraction of users accessed the Appstore outside of Amazon’s hardware ecosystem, making it less viable as a standalone platform. The decision marks a strategic shift for Amazon as it prioritizes its own devices and services over broader competition in the Android app distribution market.

The Amazon Appstore was first launched in 2011 as an alternative to the Google Play Store, aiming to offer consumers a different selection of apps, games, and exclusive deals. However, the store struggled to gain a significant foothold in the Android market, where Google’s Play Store remained the dominant force. In March 2023, Amazon discontinued its Appstore in China, and the company has also announced plans to end support for its Appstore on Windows devices starting March 5, 2025.

For users who relied on the Amazon Appstore, the shutdown will require a transition to alternative platforms such as the Google Play Store. While Amazon’s Appstore provided an alternative for Android users, its limited selection of apps and lack of widespread adoption meant that its impact remained minimal in comparison to its competitors. The closure signals the end of Amazon’s bid to establish a strong presence in the broader Android app distribution market and represents a more concentrated focus on its own digital ecosystem.

Follow Startup Story