Amazon Appstore to Shut Down on Android in August

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Amazon has announced that the Amazon Appstore on Android will shut down on August 20, 2025. However, the Appstore will continue to function on Amazon Fire devices, including Fire TV and Fire Tablets.

The abrupt announcement did not include an explanation for the decision, but it raises concerns for users who have downloaded apps through the Appstore, as they may not function properly without ongoing support.

Limited Availability and Background

Unlike its Fire ecosystem, the Amazon Appstore never gained widespread popularity among Android users, who primarily rely on the Google Play Store for app downloads. Launched in 2011, the Amazon Appstore provided an alternative marketplace but struggled to establish a strong user base.

Amazon had previously indicated its commitment to improving the Appstore experience, but the latest decision signals a shift in strategy. This follows the discontinuation of the Appstore on Windows 11 in 2023, when Microsoft ended support for the Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA).

Impact on Users and Developers

• Existing Apps: After August 20, 2025, apps previously downloaded from the Amazon Appstore will remain on Android devices but may stop functioning over time due to the lack of updates.
• Ongoing Subscriptions: Users should cancel or disable auto-renewal on any active Appstore subscriptions to avoid unexpected charges.
• Amazon Coins: As of February 20, 2025, Amazon Coins are no longer available for purchase. Remaining balances should be spent before the shutdown, as Amazon has promised refunds but has not provided details on the process.
• Backup Important Data: Users should ensure critical data is backed up, as unsupported apps may lose functionality without warning.

Alternatives for Users

• Re-download essential apps from the Google Play Store or other reputable app stores to receive software updates and security patches.
• Avoid sideloading apps from unofficial sources, as they may pose security risks.

Unanswered Questions

Amazon has provided little information on how the closure will affect developers who relied on the platform. This lack of clarity has frustrated both developers and some users who have expressed surprise and disappointment at the decision.

As Amazon prepares for the shutdown, further details regarding refunds and developer support are expected to be released at a later date. For now, affected users are advised to take precautionary steps to secure their data and transition to alternative platforms.