Now, the news has come that Amazon is going to close its app store for Android phones. This decision will come into effect from August 20, 2025. This means that if you were downloading apps from the Amazon App Store on Android phones till now, then now you will have to find some other way. Hearing this news, many questions are arising in the minds of the people: why is Amazon doing this, and what effect will it have on them?
Amazon’s App Store has been working for the last 14 years and has more than 5 lakh apps. But now the company has decided that it will shut it down for Android phones. However, this store will continue to run on Amazon’s own devices, such as Fire TV and Fire tablets.
If you are wondering how important this change is for you, then let’s understand it in simple language. In this article, we will know why Amazon took this decision, what its impact will be, and what you should do now.
What is the Amazon App Store?
The Amazon App Store is a platform where Android users can download apps and games on their phones. It was an alternative to the Google Play Store. It was launched in 2011 and was specifically designed for Amazon devices. However, it could also be used on Android phones, but for this, it had to be downloaded and installed from the Amazon website rather than from the Play Store. This is called “sideloading”.
Why did Amazon take this decision?
Amazon says that it now wants to remove its app store from Android phones and focus only on its own devices. According to the company, most people use this store on their Fire tablets and Fire TV, while its users on Android phones are very few. That is why the company feels that it will benefit by shutting it down.
Apart from this, Amazon is trying to reduce its expenses these days. Perhaps this is the reason why it is shutting down those projects which are not very profitable. Another thing is that Google Play Store is already present on Android phones, and most people prefer to use it because it is more easy and reliable. Maintaining Amazon’s app store also took effort, but there were very few people using it. That is why the company decided to shut it down.
What impact will this have on users?
If you used to download apps from the Amazon App Store, you will not be able to do so after August 20, 2025. The apps you have already downloaded may work for some time, but Amazon has made it clear that they will not be guaranteed. If an app needs an update, you may have to download it from the Google Play Store or another source.
Amazon is also shutting down its “Amazon Coins” program. These coins were a kind of digital currency with which you could buy apps or games. If you still have Amazon coins, it would be better if you use them before August 20. If you are unable to do so, Amazon will refund you the money for your remaining coins so that you do not suffer any loss.
What changes will there be for developers?
If you are an app developer and keep your apps on Amazon App Store, then this news is important for you. Amazon has already told the developers that they will no longer be able to upload new apps to the store. However, they can put updates to their old apps till 20 August 2025. After this, they will have to move their apps to Google Play Store or any other platform.
This may create problems for some developers, but since most developers are already working on the Play Store, this decision will not make much difference.
What should you do now?
If you use the Amazon App Store, you will now have to head to the Google Play Store. You will find the same apps there, and they will be more secure, too. Check your essential apps now and see if they can be downloaded from the Play Store.
If you have any Amazon Coins left, use them quickly so that you can get the most out of them. Amazon has also said that it will improve the App Store for its Fire devices. So, if you have a Fire tablet, you don’t need to worry. But for Android phone users, this change is definitely going to be big.