Amazon is set to close its Appstore for Android devices, effective August 20 of this year. This decision, communicated to app developers, marks a strategic pivot as the company aims to enhance the app store experience specifically on its own devices.
What you need to know
- Effective August 20, Amazon will discontinue its Appstore on Android devices.
- The company has indicated that new app submissions will no longer be accepted, although developers can still update existing apps until the deadline.
- The Appstore, currently operational in 200 countries, allows users to download games and mobile applications on compatible devices, primarily those manufactured by Amazon.
- Following the closure, any apps previously downloaded from the Amazon Appstore may not function on Android devices.
In a recent statement, an Amazon spokesperson elaborated on the rationale behind this move, noting that the company intends to concentrate its resources on improving the Appstore experience for users of its own devices, where the majority of customer engagement occurs. This shift comes in light of data indicating that only a small fraction of users access the Appstore outside of Amazon’s ecosystem.
Additionally, Amazon will discontinue its virtual currency, known as Amazon Coins, which users have utilized to purchase eligible apps and in-app items. Users will receive refunds for any unused coins after the August deadline.
While the Appstore will cease operations on Android devices, it will continue to function on Amazon’s proprietary devices, including the Fire TV and Fire Tablet. This decision echoes a similar trend observed with Microsoft devices last year, where Windows 11 users were also informed of a phased withdrawal of support for various apps from the Amazon Appstore.
As the tech landscape evolves, Amazon’s focus on its own devices signals a broader strategy to streamline its offerings and enhance user experience within its dedicated ecosystem.
