Amazon has announced the impending closure of its app store for Android devices, effective August 20. Following this date, users will find themselves unable to access the platform, and Amazon has indicated that it cannot assure the functionality of any previously downloaded apps on Android devices thereafter.
Transitioning Focus to Fire Devices
While the public app store for Android will soon be a thing of the past, Amazon’s app store will remain operational for select devices running on its Android-based Fire OS. This includes popular products such as Fire TV and Fire tablets. According to a statement from Amazon to TechCrunch, the company noted that the “overwhelming majority” of its users are on Fire devices, suggesting that the impact on Android users may be relatively limited.
Since its launch in 2011, Amazon has endeavored to carve out a significant niche in the app download market for Android, yet it has struggled to compete effectively with Google’s Play Store.
Changes in the Microsoft Ecosystem
In a related development, Amazon’s Appstore will also be removed from the Microsoft Store on March 5. This coincides with Microsoft’s decision to discontinue support for the Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA), which has allowed users to run Android apps on Windows 11. As a result, all applications and games reliant on WSA will cease to function post-cut-off date, according to Microsoft.
Recommendations for Users
Until the August deadline, users can continue to receive updates for apps installed via Amazon’s app store. However, it is advisable for users to cancel any app subscriptions ahead of time and seek alternative sources for their applications. In most cases, options will include:
- Google’s Play Store
- F-Droid store
- Samsung’s Galaxy Store for Samsung devices
- Huawei’s AppGallery for Huawei devices
Additionally, Amazon Coins, a virtual currency introduced in 2013 for purchasing apps and making in-app transactions, will also be discontinued on August 20. Users can still utilize existing Coins until the cut-off date, after which any unused Coins will be refunded. Amazon has promised to provide further details on the refund process in the near future.
