app distribution Archives

AppWizard

March 13, 2025

Xiaomi to preinstall PhonePe’s app store on smartphones sold in India

Xiaomi has entered a multi-year agreement with PhonePe to preinstall the Indus Appstore on its Android smartphones sold in India, replacing the GetApps store. The Indus Appstore will support 12 Indian languages, offer zero fees for developers on in-app purchases, and feature over 500,000 apps. Google’s Play Store will still be available on Xiaomi devices. Xiaomi aims to enhance user experience and localize offerings in response to the growing demand for a locally driven app marketplace in India. Specifics about the rollout timeline and availability for existing devices have not been disclosed.

AppWizard

February 28, 2025

Can alternative app stores break through?

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

February 23, 2025

Amazon to Shut Down Android App Store, Ending a Decade-Long Experiment

Amazon will close its Amazon Appstore for Android devices on August 20, 2025, after 14 years of operation. The closure includes the discontinuation of Amazon Coins, which are used for in-app purchases. Developers will no longer be able to submit new apps after this date, although existing apps will remain available until then. Amazon plans to focus on its Appstore for its own devices, such as Fire TV and Fire Tablets, where most of its customers engage with the platform. The Appstore was launched in 2011 as a competitor to Google Play but struggled to gain traction outside of Amazon's ecosystem. Additionally, Amazon will discontinue support for the Appstore on Windows 11 on March 5, 2025. Security concerns have also been raised regarding the Appstore, including incidents of malware found within it.

AppWizard

February 21, 2025

Amazon Appstore on Android to be discontinued this summer

Amazon will close its Android Appstore on August 20, 2025, ending access for users on Android devices and discontinuing the Amazon Coins program. The Appstore, launched in 2011, struggled to gain a substantial user base despite various innovations. Users will be warned that apps downloaded from the Appstore may stop functioning after the closure, but they can migrate purchased apps to Amazon devices like the Kindle. Amazon has already stopped selling Amazon Coins as of February 20, 2025, and unused balances will be refunded after the closure. Users are advised to disable auto-renewals for subscriptions. The closure reflects the Appstore's failure to resonate with users and diminishing relevance in the market.

AppWizard

February 21, 2025

Amazon to shutter app store for Android devices

Amazon will close its Appstore for Android devices on August 20 of this year, and developers will no longer be able to submit new applications. The decision is part of a strategic shift to enhance user experience on Amazon's own devices. The Appstore will still be available on Amazon's Fire TV, Fire Tablet, and other built-in products. Developers can submit updates for existing applications until the service ends. Additionally, Amazon will discontinue its Amazon Coins program on the same date and will refund any remaining coins in user accounts.

AppWizard

February 21, 2025

Amazon Shuts Down Appstore for Android Phones After 14 Years: No More Apps Coming to the Platform

Amazon will close its Appstore for Android smartphones on August 20, marking the end of its mobile app initiatives after over a decade of challenges. The Appstore, launched in 2011, struggled to compete with Google Play Store and had only 0.1% installation on Android devices by its shutdown announcement. Existing users can continue to use downloaded apps until at least August 2025, but Amazon has stopped selling Amazon Coins. The closure coincides with ongoing antitrust scrutiny of Google. Amazon will still operate its Appstore for Fire devices, which use a modified version of Android.

AppWizard

February 21, 2025

Amazon to Discontinue Amazon Coins and Amazon Appstore on Android

Amazon will cease the availability of Amazon Coins on February 20, 2025, and the Amazon Appstore on Android devices will be discontinued on August 20, 2025. Customers must use any remaining Amazon Coins by that date, as unspent balances will be refunded afterward. The Appstore will still be available on Fire TV and Fire Tablet devices. Additionally, the Appstore will not be downloadable from the Microsoft store on Windows 11 devices starting March 6, 2024. Amazon Web Services will stop accepting new customers for Amazon Chime on February 19, 2025, with full support until February 20, 2026. The social commerce feature, Inspire, integrated into the Amazon shopping app in 2022, will also be discontinued.

AppWizard

February 21, 2025

After Windows 11, Amazon is shutting down its app store on Android – The Times of India

Amazon will close its Android app store on August 20, 2025, and has stopped accepting new app submissions immediately. Developers can still submit updates for existing applications until the service is fully discontinued. In-app purchases will no longer be available in Japan on the Amazon Appstore, but will remain possible in other marketplaces until the shutdown date. Amazon will also discontinue its Coins digital currency on the same date, with refunds for unused Coins provided after August 20, 2025. The app store will continue to operate on Amazon's proprietary devices, such as Fire TV and Fire tablets. Additionally, Amazon's Windows app store, which supported Android apps, will end support by March 5, 2025.

AppWizard

February 20, 2025

Amazon Appstore will no longer be available on Android

Amazon will discontinue its Appstore for Android devices effective August 20, 2025, and will also terminate its Coins digital currency program. Users will lose access to the Appstore on Android devices, but any coins held in accounts by that date will be eligible for a refund. The Appstore will continue to operate on Amazon's proprietary devices, including Fire TV and Fire Tablets. Additionally, Amazon will end support for its app store on Windows, which had allowed Android applications since March 5, 2025.

AppWizard

February 20, 2025

Amazon App Store to close on Android

The Android Amazon App Store will close on August 20th, ending the submission of new applications and access to the store on Android devices. The Coins program will also be discontinued on the same date, with refunds for remaining coins. Developers can still submit updates for existing applications until the closure. In-app purchases on Android will be halted for Japanese users but will remain available through other marketplaces. The Amazon App Store will continue to operate on Fire TV and Fire Tablet devices.