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Amazon to shut down Android App Store, ending 14-year rivalry with Google

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Amazon has announced it will discontinue its Android app store on August 20, 2025, marking the end of its long-running attempt to compete with Google’s Play Store. The company will maintain the app store only on its own devices, including Fire TV and Fire Tablets.

The decision comes as Amazon acknowledges that the “overwhelming majority” of its app store customers are using Amazon devices rather than third-party Android phones and tablets. Apps previously downloaded from Amazon’s store onto Android devices may continue to work after the shutdown date, but the company warns they “will not be guaranteed to operate” without updates.

Alongside the app store closure, Amazon will also discontinue its virtual currency system, Amazon Coins, which allowed users to purchase apps and make in-app purchases. The company will stop selling new coins on February 20, 2025, and any remaining balance after August 20 will be refunded to users.

This shutdown follows Amazon’s earlier announcement to end support for its app store on Windows devices by March 5, 2025. The Windows version, launched in 2021, had offered Android apps to PC users.

Read also: Microsoft claims breakthrough with first Topological Quantum Chip

Amazon’s app store, launched in 2011, marked several innovative attempts to challenge Google’s dominance in the Android ecosystem. It pioneered features such as allowing users to “test drive” Android apps in web browsers and offered free versions of paid apps. The store was also a key component of Amazon’s Fire Phone project, which ultimately failed to gain market traction.

The closure represents a strategic shift for Amazon, with the company stating it will now focus on improving the app store experience exclusively for its own device ecosystem, where it serves as the default marketplace for applications.

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When I'm not reading about tech, I'm writing about it, or thinking about the next weird food combinations to try. I do all these with my headphones plugged in, and a sticky note on my computer with the words: "The galaxy needs saving, Star Lord."
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