Amazon has announced that its App Store will cease to be accessible to Android users starting August 20, 2025. While the app store will continue to function on Fire TVs and Fire Tablets, Android users are encouraged to take swift action, particularly if they possess unspent Amazon Coins, the platform’s now-retired digital currency.
Implications for Android Users
According to Android Police, once the App Store is no longer supported, applications downloaded through it will not be guaranteed to operate on Android devices. This lack of support raises concerns about app stability and security, as any vulnerabilities will remain unaddressed. Users are advised to uninstall apps sourced from Amazon’s store to mitigate potential security risks. Keeping these apps on devices in an unsupported state could jeopardize personal data.
In conjunction with the App Store discontinuation, Amazon will also end its Amazon Coins program on the same date. Users with unspent balances will be eligible for refunds, provided their payment information is current. Amazon has indicated that affected users will receive instructions for updating their payment details, although these communications may easily go unnoticed.
To ensure they do not miss out on their refunds, users should log into their Amazon accounts via a desktop or mobile browser, as the App Store may not be reliable at this time. They should verify their balance and update their credit or debit card information to facilitate the refund process.
Recommendations for App Security
Forbes recommends that Android users rely on the Google Play Store for their app needs, as it offers robust security measures and integrates seamlessly with Android’s core operating system. This includes Play Protect, which safeguards devices from potentially harmful applications, regardless of their source.
The impending shutdown of the Amazon App Store for Android users reflects a strategic pivot by the company, moving away from competing directly with Google Play on Android devices. Instead, Amazon is concentrating on its proprietary Fire ecosystem, where it can cultivate customer loyalty and enhance monetization opportunities.
The App Store remains vital for Amazon’s Fire products, which have achieved sales exceeding 40 million units globally in 2024, according to IDC estimates. Launched in 2011, the Amazon App Store aimed to challenge Google Play and establish Amazon as a formidable player in mobile software. It initially attracted attention with features such as a free daily app, competitive developer royalties, and the Amazon Coins incentive program. However, it struggled to capture a significant market share, with data from Appfigures indicating that by 2022, downloads from the Amazon Appstore had dipped below 1% of the global app market.
