3 Minutes
Amazon is discontinuing its Appstore on non-Amazon Android devices as of August 20, 2025. The move affects the Amazon Appstore as a Google Play Store alternative: users who installed apps through the storefront may find those apps unstable or unusable after the shutdown. Amazon will continue to support the Appstore on its own hardware platforms, including Fire TV and Fire Tablet devices.
What Changes and When
End of Android support
Starting August 20, 2025, the Amazon Appstore will no longer operate on third-party Android phones and tablets. While the store will remain available on Amazon’s ecosystem, apps downloaded to other Android devices are not guaranteed to function properly after the cutoff.
Amazon Coins and refunds
Amazon Coins, previously used for app purchases and in-app purchases, will be discontinued the same day. Coins have not been purchasable since February 2025, and any remaining balance must be spent before August 20, 2025. Amazon will issue refunds for leftover Coins after that date.
Product Features and Comparisons
The Amazon Appstore offered curated apps, parental controls, and occasional exclusive promotions that differentiated it from the Google Play Store and other alternative Android app stores. Compared with Google Play, Amazon emphasized integration with its media ecosystem and Fire devices. Developers gained access to an alternate distribution channel and Amazon-specific features such as targeted promotions and Amazon device optimizations.
Advantages, Use Cases, and Impact
For users on Fire Tablets and Fire TV, the Appstore remains a convenient marketplace with native app compatibility and Amazon account linking. For developers, the Appstore provided another route to reach Amazon customers, particularly in regions where Fire devices are popular. The shutdown on third-party Android devices reduces competition in the Android app marketplace and may push some developers back to Google Play or other alternative stores.
What Users and Developers Should Do Now
If you used the Amazon Appstore on Android and have active subscriptions, log into the Appstore app or your Amazon account on the web to update, cancel, or disable auto-renewals before August 20, 2025. Backup any important app data, review in-app purchase histories, and migrate paid apps or subscriptions where possible. Developers should notify users, update app listings, and consider alternate distribution channels. Remember to spend any remaining Amazon Coins or expect an automatic refund after the shutdown.
Market Relevance
This shift underscores Amazon's strategy to prioritize its hardware ecosystem while narrowing its role as a broad Android app marketplace. The change will reshape developer distribution decisions and influence how mobile app marketplaces compete with Google Play for user attention and monetization.
Comments