Amazon is shutting down its Appstore for Android devices on August 20, 2025. Users will no longer be able to download or update apps from the Appstore after this date, and some services associated with existing apps may also cease functioning. Amazon will refund any remaining Amazon Coins balance. Developers will continue to be paid royalties for existing apps until the shutdown date. While Amazon states they're shifting focus to Fire tablets and Fire TV, the actual Android Appstore listing has been pulled from the Google Play Store, and development of new Android apps for submission is now discouraged.
Amazon has formally announced the impending cessation of its dedicated Android application storefront, the Amazon Appstore, slated for August 20, 2025. This signifies the end of availability for downloading new apps from the Amazon Appstore and the termination of support for existing apps acquired through the platform. After the specified date, users will no longer be able to access, download, or receive updates for applications obtained via the Amazon Appstore. This includes apps installed on Fire tablets, Fire TVs, and any Android-based mobile devices utilizing the Appstore.
This decision follows a thorough evaluation of Amazon's app distribution strategy and aligns with the company's overarching goals. While the Amazon Appstore itself is being discontinued for Android devices, the company emphasizes its continued commitment to the app ecosystem, particularly focusing on Android-based Fire devices. Amazon intends to enhance the native app experience on Fire tablets and Fire TVs, streamlining the process of discovering and enjoying applications through the integrated Amazon experience. This implies a shift towards pre-installed apps and a more curated selection of software tailored specifically for Amazon's hardware ecosystem.
For developers who have published apps on the Amazon Appstore, this closure presents a significant change. Amazon encourages these developers to transition their focus towards creating and distributing apps through the Amazon Fire TV and Fire tablet app stores. This suggests a consolidation of resources and a directed effort towards enhancing the software experience on Amazon's proprietary devices. Developers are advised to adapt their distribution strategies accordingly and prioritize these platforms for future app development.
Users who have previously purchased applications from the Amazon Appstore will, unfortunately, lose access to these apps after the discontinuation date. While Amazon hasn't elaborated on specific refund policies, the FAQ indicates that they are working to address this issue and will provide further information closer to the shutdown date. This suggests potential avenues for users to reclaim some value from their past app purchases, although the precise mechanisms for this remain unclear.
In essence, Amazon is strategically refocusing its app efforts towards its own hardware platform, choosing to streamline the app experience for Fire devices while sunsetting the broader Android Appstore offering. This change signals a departure from the company's previous approach of catering to a wider Android audience and emphasizes a renewed commitment to its own ecosystem.
Summary of Comments ( 121 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43113397
Hacker News users react to the Amazon Appstore shutdown with a mixture of apathy and mild surprise. Many point out the store's general irrelevance, citing its limited selection and lack of discoverability compared to the Google Play Store. Some speculate about Amazon's motivations, suggesting they're refocusing resources on more profitable ventures or admitting defeat in the mobile app market. A few users express disappointment, having used the store for specific apps unavailable elsewhere or to take advantage of Amazon Coins promotions. The overall sentiment suggests the closure won't significantly impact the Android ecosystem.
The Hacker News post "The Amazon Appstore for Android devices will be discontinued on August 20, 2025" has generated several comments discussing the implications of Amazon's decision.
Many commenters express a lack of surprise at the news, citing the app store's perceived lack of popularity and competitiveness against the Google Play Store. Some suggest that the Amazon Appstore primarily served as a platform for Amazon's own apps and services, such as Kindle and Audible, and its closure won't significantly impact most Android users.
Several comments highlight the challenges faced by alternative app stores on Android, pointing to Google's dominance and the difficulties in attracting developers and users. Some speculate that the regulatory scrutiny surrounding app store practices may have played a role in Amazon's decision.
A few commenters discuss the potential impact on developers who relied on the Amazon Appstore for distribution, especially those targeting Amazon's Fire tablets. They raise concerns about the loss of an alternative distribution channel and the potential difficulties in migrating users to other platforms.
One commenter questions the long-term viability of alternative app stores in general, suggesting that the network effects of the dominant platforms make it difficult for smaller players to compete.
Some users express indifference to the news, indicating they were unaware of the Amazon Appstore's existence or never used it.
A few commenters express disappointment, mentioning specific features they appreciated about the Amazon Appstore, such as the occasional free app offer. They lament the loss of choice and competition in the Android app store ecosystem.
Overall, the sentiment in the comments is largely one of resignation and unsurprise. The Amazon Appstore's closure is viewed as a consequence of its inability to gain significant traction against the Google Play Store, highlighting the challenges faced by alternative app stores in the Android ecosystem.