In a bold move aimed at reshaping the app market landscape, Walmart-owned PhonePe unveiled the Indus App Store on February 21, offering Indian consumers a homegrown alternative to the globally dominant Google Play Store. This launch comes amidst a backdrop of tension between Google and Indian tech giants over Play Store policies and commission fees.
What is Indus App Store?
The Indus App Store is a newly launched Android app marketplace introduced by PhonePe, designed to provide Indian consumers with a homegrown alternative to the dominant Google Play Store. Offering a diverse selection of over 2 lakh apps and games across 45 categories, with plans to expand to 5 lakh apps by the year's end, the Indus App Store aims to cater to the evolving needs of India's burgeoning app economy. Notably, it empowers developers by offering listings in 12 Indian languages and a zero percent fee on in-app purchases, challenging the traditional norms set by global app marketplaces. With a focus on inclusivity, diversity, and user-centric features, the Indus App Store represents a pivotal shift in India's digital landscape, fostering competition and innovation while providing consumers with greater choice and accessibility.
A Made-in-India Alternative to Google Play Store
The Indus App Store arrives as a beacon of innovation, providing users access to over 2 lakh apps and games across 45 diverse categories. With aspirations to expand its offerings to 5 lakh apps by year-end, PhonePe's initiative taps into India's burgeoning app economy, where consumers spent a staggering 1.19 trillion hours on mobile apps in 2023 alone.
Empowering Developers, Embracing Diversity
For developers, the Indus App Store represents a refreshing departure from traditional app marketplaces. Offering listings in 12 Indian languages and a zero percent fee on in-app purchases, it presents a lucrative platform to showcase their creations without the burden of hefty commissions imposed elsewhere.
PhonePe CEO, Sameer Nigam, emphasized the platform's commitment to inclusivity, providing round-the-clock support and personalized assistance, a far cry from the challenges often encountered with global app stores.
The Indus App Store launch coincides with ongoing regulatory scrutiny faced by Google over its Play Store policies. While Google contends its adjustments comply with regulatory mandates, PhonePe's venture signifies a push for greater fairness and competition within India's digital ecosystem.
PhonePe's journey towards the Indus App Store began with the acquisition of Indus OS in July 2022, followed by strategic partnerships with OEMs like Nokia and Lava. These alliances aim to embed the app store into millions of devices, fostering widespread adoption and accessibility.
Developer Platform Launch
Indus App Store's offerings extend beyond consumer-facing features, prioritizing the needs of developers. The platform allows app listings in 12 Indian languages, offers a zero percent fee on in-app purchases, and promises 24x7 dedicated support, marking a significant departure from the norm.
How to Install Indus App Store?
Despite not being listed on Google Play Store, installing the Indus App Store remains straightforward:
- Visit www.indusappstore.com on your mobile browser.
- Download the APK file.
- Open the file and follow on-screen instructions to install.
As PhonePe pioneers the Indus App Store, it heralds a new era of competition and innovation in India's app market. With its user-centric approach, developer-friendly policies, and unwavering commitment to diversity, the Indus App Store promises to redefine the digital landscape, empowering both creators and consumers alike.
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