alternative app marketplaces

AppWizard
February 28, 2025
Amazon will close its Android App Store on August 20th, preventing developers from submitting new applications. Epic Games reported an 18% year-over-year decline in player spending on PC, amounting to 5 million in 2024, despite increased user accounts. Alternative app stores face challenges in competing with established platforms like Apple’s App Store and Google Play. Companies like Huawei and Samsung have large user bases but struggle to generate significant revenue in Western markets. Alvaro Pinto, co-founder of Aptoide, notes that Amazon's closure occurs as the app distribution ecosystem is evolving, suggesting potential for new marketplaces despite existing hurdles. The upcoming Pocket Gamer Connects San Francisco event on March 17th to 18th will discuss insights on alternative app stores and direct-to-consumer practices.
AppWizard
October 8, 2024
A U.S. District Judge has ruled that Google must share its app catalog with competing app stores and promote these rival platforms on its Play Store for three years. Google is prohibited from undermining rival app stores and from requiring its app store to be preinstalled on new devices. The ruling also eliminates the requirement for developers to use Google Pay Billing, allowing alternative payment methods. A three-member committee will be established to monitor compliance with these regulations, which will take effect on November 1, 2024, although Google plans to appeal the ruling. The decision follows a previous case where the Play Store and Google Pay Billing were found to be illegal monopolies.
AppWizard
May 22, 2024
Japan's government is proposing regulatory changes to increase competition in the smartphone app ecosystem, aiming to reduce the dominance of Apple and Google. The legislation would allow for alternative app marketplaces to emerge, providing more choices for consumers and developers. Additionally, the regulations seek to prevent tech giants from unfairly promoting their own products.
Search