Amazon is pulling the plug on its Appstore for Android devices, officially ending support on August 20, 2025. The move signals a strategic retreat from competing with Google’s Play Store and a renewed focus on Amazon’s own hardware ecosystem, such as Fire tablets and Echo devices.
What Happens to Existing Apps?
Once the Appstore is shut down, Android users who installed apps through it will no longer receive updates or security patches. Amazon has cautioned that these apps could eventually become unstable—or even unsafe. To avoid problems, the company is urging customers to remove affected apps and, where possible, reinstall them via Google Play.
Amazon Coins Also Going Away
Alongside the Appstore shutdown, Amazon’s virtual currency program, Amazon Coins, will be discontinued. Customers holding unused Coins will be eligible for refunds, though Amazon hasn’t yet disclosed how the reimbursement process will work.
Why the Change Matters
For most Android users, this development reinforces the Google Play Store’s dominance. Unlike Amazon’s store, Google’s marketplace is tightly integrated with Android and comes with Play Protect, which continuously scans for malicious behavior.
Industry watchers note the timing isn’t accidental. Google has recently ramped up its restrictions on third-party app stores through features like Advanced Protection Mode, making it harder for alternatives to compete. Amazon’s withdrawal underscores that challenge and suggests the company sees more value in keeping its app ecosystem tied to its own devices rather than fighting for space on Google’s turf.
