Amazon's Significant Application to Halt Operations for Over 200 Million Users in Coming Weeks - Potential Refunds Available and Other Related Apps May Be Affected
Amazon's Android Appstore, a competitor to Google Play Store, is set to cease operations in August 2025, leaving millions of users without access to new apps and updates. The closure affects users of the app on Android phones, though the store will remain active on Amazon's Fire TVs and Fire Tablets.
Originally launched in 2011, the Amazon Appstore offers a selection of apps and games for Android devices. The August 20 cut-off means that any apps downloaded from it will no longer receive updates, potentially becoming buggy or inoperable. Important security patches will also no longer be available for these apps, posing a potential risk to users.
Amazon has already started phasing out the Appstore by preventing developers from uploading new apps to it. This change was implemented on February 20, 2021. Available until August 20, 2025, existing apps on the Amazon Appstore will continue to function. However, developers can no longer submit updates to these apps after August 20, 2025.
In preparation for the closure, users are advised to review their Amazon Appstore subscriptions and cancel any remaining memberships prior to the shutdown. Amazon Coins, a special currency used for purchases within the Amazon Appstore, will also be discontinued. Users should utilize their remaining Amazon Coins by August 20, 2025. Any unused coins after this date will be refunded by Amazon.
Amazon's Appstore is not available on iOS devices, so iPhone users will not be affected by the closure. It is recommended that Android users transition their app needs to other app stores, like Google Play or alternative Android app stores, to ensure ongoing access to updates and support.
Further details regarding the timeline for the various aspects of the Appstore's sunset will be provided at a later date by Amazon. Users should continue to monitor official Amazon communications for detailed instructions as the closure date approaches.
- Despite the closure of Amazon's Appstore, smartphone users continue to rely on other app stores like Google Play for updates and new apps.
- With the loss of the Amazon Appstore, users may find it necessary to switch their gadgets, such as smartphones, to devices compatible with alternative app stores to maintain continuous access to necessary apps and updates.
