In a significant shift within its digital strategy, Amazon has announced the impending closure of its Android app store, set to take effect on August 20, 2025. This decision marks the end of an era for the platform, which has struggled to carve out a competitive niche against the dominant Google Play Store since its inception in 2011.
Transition for Developers and Users
As part of this transition, developers will no longer be able to introduce new applications to the Amazon Appstore. However, they will retain the ability to submit updates for existing apps until the service officially ceases operations. This window for updates is crucial for developers looking to maintain their user base and ensure their applications remain functional in the lead-up to the shutdown.
While the Amazon Appstore will no longer be accessible on Android devices, it will continue to function on Amazon’s proprietary hardware, including Fire tablets and Fire TV. This move allows Amazon to retain some level of control over its ecosystem, even as it withdraws from the broader Android marketplace.
Changes to In-App Purchases and Amazon Coins
In a related development, customers accessing the Amazon Appstore through devices in Japan will find that in-app purchases (IAPs) will no longer be available. Users are encouraged to explore alternative marketplaces for their IAP needs until the final closure date.
Furthermore, Amazon is set to discontinue its Amazon Coins program, a digital currency that facilitated app and game purchases within the app store. The company has committed to refunding any unused Coins to users by the closure date, with the last opportunity to purchase Coins ending on February 20, 2025.
These changes come on the heels of Amazon’s earlier announcement regarding the discontinuation of its app store support for Windows devices, which will officially close on March 5, 2025. This series of closures reflects Amazon’s ongoing reassessment of its digital offerings and its focus on optimizing its resources in an increasingly competitive landscape.
