Amazon’s Appstore will no longer be available on Android devices starting August 20, 2025, marking the end of the retail giant’s attempt to carve out space in the competitive app distribution market.
After this date, apps from the Amazon Appstore will “not be guaranteed to operate” on Android hardware, according to Amazon. However, the digital storefront will continue to function on Amazon’s proprietary devices, such as Fire TV and Fire Tablets. In addition, Amazon is discontinuing its virtual currency, Amazon Coins, which has been used for app and in-app purchases. Coin purchases have been disabled as of today, and any remaining Coins must be used before the shutdown date.
Amazon originally launched the Appstore to challenge Google’s Play Store and offer an alternative for developers and consumers. The move was part of an ongoing debate about app distribution, competition, and control over digital marketplaces. While walled garden owners like Google and Apple argue their policies ensure security and fairness, third-party platforms have long pushed back, claiming such restrictions stifle competition and limit consumer choice.
The closure of Amazon’s Appstore comes amid increasing scrutiny on major tech platforms. While the U.S. government has shown mixed signals in addressing app store competition, the European Union has taken more decisive action through regulations like the Digital Markets Act (DMA), which forces dominant players to allow third-party alternatives. Despite these changes, Amazon’s decision signals the difficulties in maintaining a viable third-party app marketplace against the established giants.
As Amazon winds down its Appstore, developers and consumers will need to transition to other platforms. Whether this marks a larger shift in app distribution trends or remains an isolated case, it highlights the ongoing challenges in balancing innovation, competition, and control within the mobile ecosystem.
For further details, read the full report on Engadget.