Amazon closed its Appstore on Android smartphones and tablets on 20 August 2025, bringing to a close a 14-year attempt to provide an alternative to the Google Play Store. The closure impacts individuals who downloaded apps through the App Store, purchased games, and spent Amazon Coins, the digital currency of the store.
What Changed And What Amazon Instructs Customers To Do
Amazon suspended new Amazon Coins sales in February and informed developers in February that they could no longer submit new Android apps from that date. Any unused Amazon Coins would be refunded automatically, the company stated, but users report that they still desire more precise guidance on timing and when refunds will appear. Amazon also cautioned that apps acquired through the Appstore may not function on Android devices after support expires.
Target Amazon Devices, Rather Than Any Android Phone
Amazon justified the move by stating that the majority of users of its Appstore now use Amazon’s own Fire Tablet and Fire TV devices. The Appstore will continue to run on those Amazon devices but will no longer be available for the wider Android market. This is one of a pattern of moves where Amazon encloses more services within its own devices and apps. Users of the Appstore on non-Amazon Android devices have to find the same applications on Google
What This Implies For Applications And Developers
Developers could submit updates to their own installed Android-targeted applications up to the shutdown date, but could not introduce new apps after February.
Starting after 20 August, any app that users downloaded from the Amazon Appstore earlier is not necessarily guaranteed to work on Android devices. That puts users in danger of being cut off from access to apps or in-app payments if developers fail to migrate their apps to alternative stores. Developers who desire to continue supporting Amazon device users can continue to publish apps for Fire Tablets and Fire TV. Developer Portal Master Reddit
For most users, it will be inconvenient: they may have to acquire substitute apps, re-purchase items on other markets, or hold out for refunds. Amazon’s refunds for unused Coins should soften this, but individuals who held value in Coins are anxious about forgoing the discounts and bundle bargains they enjoyed. User groups and news sites have been posting tutorials on how to query Coin balances and what refund handling will look like.
FAQs
- When did the App Store shut down?
Amazon ended support for the Appstore on Android on 20 August 2025.
- Will I receive a refund for unused Amazon Coins?
Amazon said it will automatically refund unused Amazon Coins. Look in your Amazon account messages for more information.
- Will my downloaded apps continue to work?
Amazon advised apps from the Appstore are not guaranteed to function on Android after shutdown. You can seek the app from Google Play or reach out to the developer.
- Are developers still able to update apps?
Developers might submit updates until the shutdown date, but are no longer able to submit new Android-specific apps.
- Will the App Store continue to function on Amazon devices?
The Appstore will be available on Fire Tablets and on Fire TV devices.
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