In a move that’s shaking up the Android app ecosystem, Amazon has announced the impending closure of its Appstore for Android devices. Come August 20, 2025, Android users will no longer have access to the Amazon Appstore, marking the end of an era for the e-commerce giant’s foray into the Android app distribution market.
This decision, communicated via email to affected customers, has significant implications for both app developers and users who have come to rely on Amazon’s alternative to the Google Play Store. While the Amazon Appstore will continue to operate on Fire TV and Fire Tablet devices, Android users are facing a countdown to find alternatives for their favorite apps.
Key points for users to consider:
- App Functionality: After August 20, 2025, apps downloaded from the Amazon Appstore are not guaranteed to work on Android devices.
- Amazon Coins Program: The popular Amazon Coins program will be discontinued alongside the Appstore. As of February 20, 2025, no new Coins can be purchased, and users have until the August deadline to use their remaining balance.
- Subscriptions: Users with active subscriptions through the Amazon Appstore should review and manage their subscriptions before the closure date.
- Refunds: Amazon has promised to refund any purchased Coins remaining in user accounts after the August 20 deadline, with more details to be shared closer to the date.
For now, the Amazon Appstore remains fully functional, allowing downloads and purchases. However, this closure serves as a reminder of the volatile nature of digital marketplaces and the importance of platform diversity in the app ecosystem.
As the deadline approaches, Android users are advised to take stock of their Amazon Appstore apps and make necessary arrangements to transition to alternative sources. This closure may also prompt broader discussions about the future of third-party app stores in the Android ecosystem and the evolving landscape of mobile app distribution.