In June 2021, Microsoft announced the official integration of Android apps into Windows 11 through the Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA). However, Microsoft is now deprecating this feature.
This integration utilized the Amazon Appstore, seamlessly incorporating Android applications into the Windows environment, including the Start menu, taskbar, and windowing options. Following an extensive testing and preview period, Microsoft officially launched it in October 2022 across 31 markets, boasting over 50,000 Android apps.
Since then, Microsoft has provided updates to WSA to support Android versions 12.1 and 13, along with additional features for apps to leverage. However, the last major update occurred in June 2023.
Starting tomorrow, March 6, 2024, Windows 11 users won’t have the ability to search for the Amazon Appstore or its associated apps within the Microsoft Store. While developers can still update their existing apps, they won’t be able to submit new ones.
However, any existing apps already installed on your PC will remain functional until March 5, 2024.
On the other hand, Amazon has confirmed that its Appstore will continue to be accessible and supported on other platforms, including Fire TV, Fire Tablet, and Android devices.
Amazone said today “Amazon Appstore will continue to be available and supported on other surfaces, including Fire TV, Fire Tablet, and Android devices.” When considering the broader landscape, ChromeOS offers a wider array of Android apps through the Play Store on Chromebooks, while Mac users can run iOS apps.
