Amazon has made the decision to close its Android app store, with the shutdown set for August 20, 2025. Developers have received notifications indicating that the submission of new applications will cease immediately, marking a significant shift in the company’s app distribution strategy.
In a communication to developers, Amazon outlined the implications of this closure:
- New app submissions targeting Android devices will no longer be accepted as of today.
- Developers can continue to submit updates for their existing applications until the service is fully discontinued.
- Customers in Japan will find that in-app purchases (IAPs) are no longer available on the Amazon Appstore for Android devices, although these transactions will still be possible in other marketplaces until the final shutdown date.
Amazon to discontinue Coins digital currency
In conjunction with the app store closure, Amazon will also phase out its Coins digital currency, which has been a means for users to purchase apps and games. The company has assured users that any unused Coins will be refunded after the August 20 deadline.
“Starting August 20, 2025, you will no longer have access to the Amazon Appstore on your Android device. We will also be discontinuing the Amazon Coins program on August 20, 2025. As of February 20, 2025, Amazon Coins will no longer be available for purchase,” the announcement stated.
Despite this withdrawal from the Android app store, Amazon has clarified that its app store will continue to operate on its proprietary devices, such as Fire TV and Fire tablets. This decision comes as part of Amazon’s ongoing efforts to carve out a niche in the competitive app ecosystem, a challenge it has faced since the launch of its app store in 2011, including the ambitious yet ultimately unsuccessful Fire Phone project.
This latest move follows Amazon’s previous announcement regarding the discontinuation of its Windows app store, which allowed Android apps to run on Windows devices. That initiative, launched in 2021, is set to conclude support by March 5, 2025.
