Amazon pulls the plug on its Android app retailer after 14 years

Learn extra at:

Every little thing Flows: Amazon spent over a decade pursuing a foothold within the app retailer enterprise. Now, the corporate has introduced that it’s shuttering its Android app retailer, with no ensures that beforehand bought apps will proceed working. Nonetheless, customers can migrate their owned apps to Amazon units such because the Kindle.

Amazon is warning customers concerning the impending shutdown of its official “Appstore” for Android units. Prospects will lose entry to the Amazon Appstore on their Android smartphones or tablets on August 20, 2025. Unsurprisingly, the corporate can also be discontinuing its Amazon Cash program.

Amazon Appstore debuted in 2011 as a possible various for downloading and distributing Android apps with out going via Google Play. Two years later, Amazon Cash launched a brand new fee and microtransaction methodology for buying apps and making in-app purchases.

A brand new FAQ concerning the discontinuance notes that any apps downloaded from the Amazon Appstore may cease working after August 20. The shop closure doesn’t contain Fireplace TV, Fireplace Pill, and different Amazon units. It solely impacts Android customers. To reduce frustration, Amazon supplies an APK package for manually reinstalling the shop on its units.

The corporate has already ceased promoting Amazon Cash as of yesterday, February 20. Prospects with lively coin balances are inspired to make use of them by August 20. Amazon says it’s going to refund unused coin balances after the deadline. The corporate additionally suggested and offered directions for turning off subscription auto-renewals to keep away from the inconvenience of requesting refunds.

Amazon hasn’t defined the sudden demise of its Android app retailer. Nonetheless, the service by no means gained a lot traction amongst Android customers regardless of Amazon providing unique video games, a “free app of the week,” and different attractive promotions. Amazon Appstore got here preinstalled on a couple of manufacturers of Android telephones however nonetheless struggled to draw a lot consideration.

Amazon Appstore was additionally accessible on Home windows, however Microsoft introduced that it’s discontinuing assist for third-party Android apps and shops on Home windows 11. Amazon’s announcement of the shop’s closure is unlikely a coincidence. Official Android app assist on Home windows 11 made even much less sense than on cell. Home windows customers have a number of alternative routes to get the identical apps or Win32 applications. So, Amazon Appstore will not probably be missed.

Turn leads into sales with free email marketing tools (en)

Leave a reply

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here