Amazon to Discontinue Android Appstore Support, Impacting Users and Developers
Amazon has announced the termination of support for its Appstore on Android devices, effective August 20th. The company revealed this decision through an FAQ support page, without providing extensive details about the reasoning behind the move.
While the Appstore will continue to function as the default marketplace on Fire TV and Tablet devices, Android users may face issues with their existing apps after the support ends. The lack of updates could potentially render these applications inoperable on Android devices.
The impact of this decision extends beyond Android users. Microsoft has also declared an end to Amazon Appstore support on Windows, starting March 5th. This deprecation is part of Microsoft’s broader strategy to phase out its Android subsystem.
In a related development, Amazon is set to discontinue its virtual currency program, Amazon Coins. New coin purchases will cease after February 20th, 2025, although existing balances can still be used for Appstore purchases. Amazon has promised to provide more information about refunds for remaining coins after August 20th.
This move marks a significant shift in Amazon’s app distribution strategy, particularly given that its Fire OS is Android-based. The Android Appstore, which once boasted unique features like “test drive” for apps and free app versions, has struggled to compete with Google Play’s dominance in the market.
Initially pre-loaded on Amazon’s ill-fated Fire phone, the Appstore could be sideloaded on third-party Android devices. However, it failed to gain significant traction against Google’s established ecosystem. The Appstore’s challenges were even highlighted in the recent Epic v. Google case, where it was cited as part of arguments against Google’s alleged monopoly in the app distribution space.
Despite Amazon’s attempts to simplify the sideloading process through its app, Google’s subsequent actions to close this loophole further complicated the Appstore’s position in the Android ecosystem.
As the August 20th deadline approaches, Android users and developers alike will need to prepare for the transition, while the tech industry watches to see how this move will reshape the app distribution landscape.
