Xiaomi has announced that it will phase out its controversial GetApps store and replace it with the Indus Appstore, in collaboration with PhonePe.
This transition is set to roll out in January 2025 and will impact all Xiaomi, Redmi, and Poco devices sold in India.
The move reflects Xiaomi’s effort to refine its user experience and align with local needs in one of its biggest markets. However, the change also raises questions about how this new app store will address the challenges associated with GetApps, which has long been criticized for intrusive ads and system bloat.
What is the Indus Appstore?
The Indus Appstore, developed by Indus OS and supported by PhonePe, is an Android-based marketplace designed with Indian users in mind. It features a vast catalog of over 200,000 apps and games across 45 categories, with support for 12 Indian languages. The integration with PhonePe will enable smooth payment options and digital services, making the platform user-friendly and highly localized.
Unlike GetApps, which often frustrated users with mandatory inclusion and excessive advertisements, the Indus Appstore promises a cleaner and more intuitive interface. This focus on regional content and accessibility is part of Xiaomi’s broader strategy to address user feedback and regulatory requirements in India.
The Transition: Smooth or Forced?
The shift to the Indus Appstore will be implemented automatically through system updates, meaning users won’t need to take any action to receive the new app store. However, this also means they won’t have a choice in opting out of the transition.
It remains unclear if the Indus Appstore will be uninstallable or, at the very least, disable-friendly. Xiaomi users have expressed concern that the new app store could replicate the issues that plagued GetApps, especially if it comes with embedded ads and lacks the option for user removal.
Addressing User Concerns
For years, GetApps has been a source of frustration for Xiaomi users in India due to its mandatory presence and aggressive advertising. While replacing it with the Indus Appstore seems like a step in the right direction, users are cautiously optimistic. A key factor in the success of this transition will be whether the new app store delivers a smoother, less intrusive experience.
Data privacy and appstore performance are also areas of concern, particularly when compared to the Google Play Store, which remains the dominant app marketplace in India. Xiaomi and PhonePe will need to ensure that the Indus Appstore prioritizes transparency, security, and functionality to win over users.
