Amazon Shuts Down Android App Store

• Amazon is shutting down its Android app store
• The service will continue to operate on Fire TV and Fire Tablet devices
• The Amazon Appstore originally launched in 2011

If you're a user of the Amazon Appstore for Android, I have some disappointing news. According to a TechCrunch report, Amazon has notified developers that the store will officially close on August 20th this year.

Given that the Amazon store has been operating for over a decade, its longevity is noteworthy. However, this likely offers little consolation to the many developers currently publishing on the platform and their users.

The official support page indicates that Android apps installed through the store won't be guaranteed ongoing functionality, suggesting you shouldn't expect future updates or support. However, Amazon confirms the Appstore will remain available on its own devices, including Fire TV and Fire Tablet.

It's somewhat ironic that Amazon is stepping back just as alternative app stores are gaining momentum. While I understand their decision, the platform never really became a go-to destination for app downloads during its existence.

The reasons for this are varied, but fundamentally Amazon failed to offer compelling incentives for users or developers. The Epic Games Store, for instance, attracts users through its free games program.

This situation serves as another reminder that even services backed by major corporations aren't guaranteed to last forever.

Fortunately, there's no need to worry about finding great new games. You can always explore our curated selection of the top five new mobile games to try this week.