Amazon has officially announced that it will discontinue its Appstore for Android devices on August 20, 2025. This move marks a significant shift in the company’s digital ecosystem strategy, as it aims to focus exclusively on its own hardware devices. Alongside the closure of the Amazon Appstore, the company will also be phasing out its Amazon Coins digital currency, which has been used for app and game purchases within the store.
Amazon communicated this change to developers, informing them that new applications will no longer be accepted in the store. For users who still have Amazon Coins, the company has promised refunds for any remaining balances after the shutdown.
Why Is Amazon Closing Its Android App Store?
The Amazon Appstore was launched in 2011 as an alternative to the Google Play Store, aiming to give users another marketplace for downloading and purchasing apps. However, over the years, it struggled to gain widespread adoption, especially outside of Amazon’s Fire Tablets and Fire TV devices.
According to an official support page statement, Amazon confirmed:
“Starting August 20, 2025, you will no longer have access to the Amazon Appstore on your Android device. We will also be discontinuing the Amazon Coins program on August 20, 2025.”
An Amazon spokesperson explained that the decision was based on customer behavior, noting:
“We’ve decided to discontinue the Amazon Appstore on Android to focus our efforts on the Appstore experience on our own devices, as that’s where the overwhelming majority of our customers currently engage with it.”
This means that Amazon’s Appstore will remain functional on Amazon devices such as Fire Tablets and Fire TV but will no longer be available for general Android users.
Security Concerns and Market Struggles
One of the contributing factors to Amazon’s decision appears to be security concerns. In 2023, cybersecurity researchers from McAfee Labs discovered a malware-infected app on the Amazon Appstore. The application, disguised as a health tracking tool, was found to be spreading malicious software.
Additionally, Amazon faced challenges in competing with Google Play Store due to its limited app selection, lack of developer interest, and lower user engagement. Despite multiple efforts, the Amazon Appstore never reached the scale needed to be a true Google Play competitor.
Amazon Coins Will Be Phased Out
Along with the closure of the Amazon Appstore for Android, the company is also discontinuing the Amazon Coins program. Amazon Coins were a virtual currency that allowed users to purchase apps, games, and in-app items at discounted rates.
Amazon has assured customers that they will be refunded for any unused Amazon Coins in their accounts when the program ends.
Impact on Windows Users
In addition to shutting down its Android Appstore, Amazon had previously announced that it would end support for the Amazon Appstore on Windows as well. This will take effect on March 5, 2025.
The Amazon Appstore on Windows was introduced in 2021 as part of a collaboration with Microsoft, allowing Windows 11 users to download Android apps through Amazon’s ecosystem. However, with the upcoming closure, Windows users will no longer be able to install or access apps through the Amazon Appstore.
What This Means for Users and Developers
For Users:
- Android device owners will lose access to the Amazon Appstore after August 20, 2025.
- Amazon Fire TV and Fire Tablet users can still use the Appstore, as it will continue to operate on Amazon’s own devices.
- Amazon Coins users will receive refunds for any remaining balance after the closure.
- Windows 11 users will lose access to the Amazon Appstore on March 5, 2025.
For Developers:
- No new apps can be submitted to the Amazon Appstore for Android moving forward.
- Existing Amazon Appstore apps will no longer be available for download on Android devices after August 20, 2025.
- Amazon will prioritize its Appstore experience on Fire TV and Fire Tablet, meaning developers targeting Amazon devices can still publish and maintain apps there.
Amazon’s Shift in Strategy
Amazon’s decision to exit the broader Android app marketplace and focus on its own devices suggests a shift in strategy. The company is now concentrating on improving the app experience within its own ecosystem, rather than competing against Google Play and the Apple App Store.
This move also aligns with Amazon’s recent efforts to streamline its digital services, as seen with the discontinuation of the Fire Phone and its limited success in third-party software ecosystems.
Conclusion
The shutdown of the Amazon Appstore for Android is a significant decision that reflects Amazon’s retreat from the competitive mobile app market. While Fire TV and Fire Tablet users will still have access to the Amazon Appstore, Android and Windows users will have to find alternative solutions for downloading apps.
For users who regularly used Amazon Coins, the company has ensured that refunds will be processed after August 20, 2025. As Amazon redirects its digital ecosystem efforts toward its own devices, it remains to be seen how this change will impact its overall digital strategy.
