Microsoft is discontinuing support for Android apps on Windows. According to the company, it is ending support for Windows Subsystem for Android(WSA), the system that brings Amazon Appstore and other Android apps on Windows 11.
The Windows maker first announced Android apps for Windows 11 in 2021 through Amazon Appstore. Support for Android apps was then rolled out to users in 2022, enabling users to install the Amazon App Store on their Windows 11 machines. Additionally, some individual Android apps were launched on the Windows Store, allowing users to download and run Android apps on their Windows machines. The rollout of Android apps on Windows was Microsoft’s response to Google and Apple, as Google announced full Android app support for Chromebooks and Apple announced iOS apps on MacBooks powered by it’s in-house chipsets.
A Microsoft spokesperson, in a statement to Engadget, explained why the company is discontinuing Android app support for Windows. According to him, “As part of our commitment to meeting evolving customer needs, we periodically update our product offerings. This involves introducing new technical innovations and retiring products. Microsoft remains dedicated to an open platform and ecosystem, and we look forward to continuing to bring the best experiences and apps to Windows”.
This step might have been taken as a result of the software giant being fully focused on bringing AI capabilities to it’s Windows operating system. Previous attempts to make the Windows operating system a better touch-focused platform are no longer considered worth the resources. Another assumption, as per The Verge, is that people desire a full Google Play Store experience for Android apps on Windows, rather than the Amazon Appstore, which contains fewer apps than Google Play Store.
Users who have installed the Amazon App Store on their Windows machines or any individual apps through the Microsoft Store using WSA before Tuesday can continue using the apps until March 5th, 2025, which is exactly a year from now. Amazon also clarified that it’s Appstore and associated apps will no longer be available on the Microsoft Store starting from Wednesday onwards. This also means that app developers will no longer be able to submit new Android apps to the Amazon Appstore for Windows. However, developers who have already submitted their apps to the Amazon Appstore can continue to submit updates for their apps until March 5th, 2025.
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