PhonePe’s Indus Appstore Hits 100,000 Downloads in Three Days, Signaling Shift in India’s App Market

Highlights

• Crossed 100,000 downloads within just three days of its launch.
• Offers a developer-friendly and user-centric platform.
• Supports 12 regional languages and features a zero-commission model.
• Aims to rapidly expand its user base, targeting 500,000 users and then one million.

The Indus Appstore, launched by PhonePe as India’s new Android-based app marketplace, has quickly made its mark by crossing 100,000 downloads within just three days of its release.

This achievement highlights the strong demand in the Indian market for an app store that is more attuned to local needs, offering an alternative that is both developer-friendly and user-centric.

Rapid Adoption and Market Demand

Akash Dongre, Chief Product Officer and Co-founder of the Indus Appstore, shared his enthusiasm about the app store’s immediate success, noting the significant interest it has garnered. We are thrilled and humbled by the overwhelming response to the Indus Appstore.

Reaching over a lakh downloads in just three days confirms that India is ready for a homegrown app store that prioritizes the needs of its diverse users and fosters a vibrant developer community. This is only the beginning; we’re committed to continuously evolving Indus Appstore to make it the go-to destination for apps in India,” he stated.

Supporting India’s Digital Evolution

The launch of the Indus Appstore took place in New Delhi on February 21, 2024, inaugurated by Shri. Ashwini Vaishnaw, Hon. Minister of Railways, Communications, and Electronics & IT. The event saw support from India’s startup community, with participation from leading companies. 

Shri. Amitabh Kant, G20 Sherpa for the Government of India, delivered a keynote address at the event, underscoring the app store’s role in showcasing India’s technological capabilities and innovation. “What we are seeing today is really a demonstration of India’s tech power and its great ability to build a unique innovation.

The creation of India’s app store is very, very timely, it’s very needed. It will bridge the expectations between the developers and app store providers and, by supporting it in 12 languages, I think the Indus Appstore will really strengthen the Android position as a very competitive choice in India,” he said.

With goals to expand its user base to 500,000 soon and anticipations of reaching one million downloads in the near future, the Indus Appstore is poised to make a significant impact on India’s digital marketplace.

This ambition underlines PhonePe’s confidence in the app store’s unique offerings and its potential to transform the digital landscape in India.

FAQs

What is the Indus Appstore?

The Indus Appstore is a new Android-based app marketplace launched by PhonePe, designed to cater specifically to the Indian market with a focus on local needs, offering a developer-friendly and user-centric alternative to existing app stores.

How quickly did the Indus Appstore achieve 100,000 downloads?

The Indus Appstore surpassed 100,000 downloads within three days of its launch, showcasing the strong demand among Indian users for an app store that aligns more closely with their preferences.

What makes the Indus Appstore stand out?

Unique features of the Indus Appstore include its policy of not charging any commission, support for 12 regional languages, and an innovative video-led app discovery feature, setting it apart from other app marketplaces.

Who launched the Indus Appstore and when?

The Indus Appstore was officially launched on February 21, 2024, by Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, the Hon. Minister of Railways, Communications, and Electronics & IT, highlighting the support from India’s startup ecosystem.

What future goals does the Indus Appstore have?

The Indus Appstore aims to reach an install base of 500,000 users soon, with expectations to hit one million downloads shortly after, indicating PhonePe’s confidence in the app store’s potential to redefine India’s digital landscape.

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