Amazon Appstore for Android to Shut Down in August 2025
Amazon’s decision to shut down its Android Appstore comes as the company refocuses on its proprietary Fire devices. Starting August 20, 2025, users will no longer be able to:
- Download new apps from the Amazon Appstore on Android devices.
- Receive updates for existing apps.
- Use Amazon Coins for purchases (transactions will stop in February 2025, with refunds issued post-August).
For those who have already installed apps via Amazon’s store, they will remain functional, but after the shutdown date, app updates and new downloads will be impossible.
Why is Amazon Closing Its Android Appstore?
While Amazon hasn’t explicitly stated the reason for this shutdown, industry experts suggest:
- Fierce competition from Google Play – Maintaining a third-party Android store is increasingly challenging due to Google’s dominance.
- Regulatory and security challenges – Google’s stricter policies on app distribution make it harder for alternative stores to thrive.
- A shift toward Fire devices – Amazon is prioritizing its own ecosystem, such as Fire TV and Fire Tablets, where the Appstore will remain operational.
For developers, this means they’ll have to migrate their apps to Google Play or other third-party app stores to continue reaching Android users.
Amazon to Discontinue Its Windows Appstore in March 2025
In addition to shutting down its Android Appstore, Amazon has also announced the end of support for its Windows Appstore on March 5, 2025. This follows Microsoft’s decision to remove the Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA), which allowed Windows 11 users to run Android apps.
Starting March 6, 2024, users will no longer be able to install the Amazon Appstore on Windows, though existing apps will remain functional until March 2025.
What Does This Mean for Windows Users?
- No new app installations after March 6, 2024
- Existing apps will continue to work until March 5, 2025, but updates will stop
- Developers must transition to alternative distribution methods for Windows users
With WSA gone, Windows users will have fewer native options for running Android apps. Many may turn to third-party emulators or alternative app distribution platforms.
Amazon’s New Strategy: Prioritizing Its Own Ecosystem
This shift highlights Amazon’s renewed focus on its Fire devices rather than maintaining a broad app distribution network. The Amazon Appstore will continue operating on Fire TV and Fire Tablets, indicating a strategic move to strengthen its proprietary platform.
For users and developers, the key takeaway is that Amazon is stepping back from competing with Google Play and Microsoft Store, shifting its priorities to e-commerce, cloud computing, and its hardware ecosystem.
What Should Users and Developers Do Next?
- For Android users – Download or update essential apps before August 2025. Consider transitioning to Google Play or alternative app stores.
- For Windows users – Apps installed via Amazon’s Appstore will continue working until March 2025, but finding alternative sources for updates is recommended.
- For developers – Start migrating apps to platforms like Google Play, Samsung Galaxy Store, or independent app distribution services to maintain reach.
