Amazon Appstore Archives

AppWizard

November 14, 2025

Android 17 Retrofits Alternative App Store Installs

Android 17 will introduce a system for "Registered App Stores," allowing third-party app stores that meet Google's certification standards to benefit from a unified installation interface. Users will see a straightforward prompt when installing a certified app store, with clear explanations and links to essential information. Certified stores will automatically gain permission to install and manage other applications, simplifying the installation process and improving user experience. The initiative will reduce barriers imposed by OEMs, ensuring a consistent installation process across devices. Security measures will remain intact, with Google Play Protect continuing to scan apps from all sources. The new system will be integrated into Android 17, with potential support in the initial release or by Android 17 QPR2. Competing app stores will not be able to promote themselves through Google Play, but users can still access certain titles directly through their respective apps.

AppWizard

November 10, 2025

Windows 11 ends Android app support: practical workarounds

Microsoft has discontinued the Windows Subsystem for Android and its integration with the Amazon Appstore on Windows 11 due to low demand. Users can no longer use an official Microsoft method to install general Android apps. The primary alternatives are Google Play Games on PC, which focuses on gaming, and third-party emulators like BlueStacks, LDPlayer, and GameLoop for a broader range of applications. To use Google Play Games, users need a PC with at least 8 GB RAM, a modern quad-core processor, hardware-accelerated graphics, SSD storage with 10 GB free, and hardware virtualization enabled. Users must enable virtualization in their UEFI or BIOS settings and activate the Virtual Machine Platform and Windows Hypervisor Platform in Windows. Emulators allow users to run full Android apps on Windows. They can download apps from the Google Play Store within the emulator or sideload APK files. Users should be cautious about security risks when sideloading apps and stick to reputable sources. Performance tuning for emulators involves allocating sufficient resources, resolving virtualization conflicts, and optimizing settings like resolution and frame rate. Users are advised to install on SSDs and minimize background tasks for better performance.

AppWizard

August 24, 2025

Goodbye to the Amazon store—it is liquidating its Appstore for Android and will refund money spent on apps and subscriptions—this is how you get your refund

Amazon will close its Appstore for Android on August 20, 2025, and discontinue its Amazon Coins program. Users with remaining Amazon Coins will be reimbursed. The closure raises concerns about the functionality of downloaded apps, which may cease to work and pose security risks. Users are advised to transition to Google Play and uninstall Amazon apps. Active subscriptions on Fire devices will continue without interruption, but users can cancel them for a proportional refund. After the closure, users are responsible for any data loss related to Amazon apps.

AppWizard

August 22, 2025

Amazon’s Android Pivot: A Catalyst for Semiconductor and Software Ecosystems

Amazon is transitioning its Fire tablet lineup from Fire OS to standard Android, codenamed “Kittyhawk,” to enhance hardware and software integration and compete with Apple and Samsung. This shift addresses developer fatigue by eliminating the need for separate app versions for Amazon's Appstore and responds to consumer demand for access to the Google Play Store. The new Android-based tablets, set for release in 2025, will likely increase app availability and capture a share of the premium tablet market. Key semiconductor partners expected to benefit from this transition include Qualcomm, Samsung, and MediaTek, as Amazon's adoption of standard Android may lead to increased demand for their chipsets. Additionally, the move strengthens Google's position within the ecosystem, potentially stimulating growth for its cloud and AI services, despite Amazon's decision to exclude Google's proprietary applications. Investors should monitor Qualcomm and MediaTek for semiconductor exposure, as well as Amazon's AI tools and cloud partnerships for potential growth. Amazon's current global tablet market share is 8%, which could expand with the new model, although risks include project delays and regulatory scrutiny regarding data privacy.

AppWizard

August 20, 2025

Amazon may abandon its Fire tablet software

Amazon is reportedly preparing to launch a new high-end tablet that will run on the standard Android operating system instead of its proprietary Fire OS, with an expected release next year at a price point around 0. This change aims to improve compatibility and user experience for consumers and ease development for app creators, as it will eliminate the need for separate versions of apps for Fire OS. The anticipated price increase from Amazon's traditionally affordable Fire tablets may deter budget-conscious consumers but suggests potential upgrades in specifications. No official comments or specifications have been released by Amazon regarding the new tablet.

AppWizard

August 19, 2025

Amazon to remove its app on these devices come Wednesday, Aug. 20

Beginning August 20, Android users will lose access to the Amazon Appstore, as the company will stop accepting new application submissions. Additionally, the Amazon Coins program will be discontinued on August 20, 2025, and customers are advised to use any remaining coins before the deadline, with unspent balances being refunded. The decision to terminate the Appstore on Android is due to low customer engagement, prompting Amazon to focus on enhancing the Appstore experience on its own devices like Fire TV and Fire Tablets.

AppWizard

August 19, 2025

Amazon to discontinue Appstore for Android: Here’s what you should know

Amazon has announced the discontinuation of the Amazon Appstore for Android and Amazon Coins program, effective August 20. The ability to purchase Amazon Coins or make in-app purchases was halted on February 20. Users with unused Amazon Coins will receive refunds, with details to be provided later. Applications downloaded through the Amazon Appstore may become non-functional on Android devices after August 20. The Amazon Appstore will still operate on Fire TV, Fire Tablet, and devices with Fire TV built-in. Users can check their current balance by logging into the Amazon Appstore. For assistance, users can contact Amazon via their online support form.

AppWizard

August 18, 2025

Amazon Appstore Shutdown: Android Users Must Delete Apps Within 48 Hours

Effective August 20, 2025, the Amazon Appstore will cease to support Android devices, ending over fifteen years of service. Users are advised to uninstall all apps downloaded via the Amazon Appstore to mitigate security risks, as these apps will no longer receive updates or security patches. Users should transition to alternatives in the Google Play Store, which offers built-in security features. Additionally, Amazon Coins will also be discontinued on the same date, with unclear details on refunds for remaining balances. Cybersecurity experts emphasize the urgency of this transition to avoid potential threats from outdated applications.

AppWizard

August 18, 2025

MediaDailyNews: Amazon Shutters Its Android App Store

Amazon is closing its Appstore for Android and its Coins program this week, shifting focus to Fire TV and Fire Tablet devices. This marks the end of a 14-year operation for the Appstore, which competed with the Google Play Store. Advertisers targeting Android users will need to adjust their strategies, as the Google Play Store is expected to become the primary platform for app promotions. Users can still access their subscriptions on Fire TV and Fire Tablets and can cancel subscriptions for refunds if they extend beyond August 20, 2025. Amazon advises users to migrate to apps on the Google Play Store and delete remaining apps on their Android devices. The Coins program, launched in 2013, will also be discontinued, and any remaining Amazon Coins after August 20, 2025, will be refunded to users.

AppWizard

August 18, 2025

Why is Amazon Shutting down Android’s Appstore?

Amazon will close its Amazon Appstore on Android devices on August 20, 2025, while it has already ceased operations on Windows in 2024. The Appstore will still function on Fire TV and Fire Tablet devices. The closure is part of Amazon's strategy to focus on its own devices, where most customers engage with the Appstore. Customers with remaining Amazon Coins will receive refunds, and there is no guarantee that apps from the Appstore will work on Android devices after the closure. Users are advised to back up important app data and explore alternative app sources like the Google Play Store.