App Stores List 2025

As we move into 2025, app stores will continue to be a critical component of the digital landscape, offering businesses new opportunities to reach customers and grow their presence in the mobile and cross-platform markets. With technological advancements and shifting consumer behaviors, understanding the future of app stores is essential for business leaders looking to stay competitive. In this blog, we will highlight the most important app stores to watch in 2025, from established platforms like Apple’s App Store and Google Play to emerging alternatives tailored to niche markets. Whether you’re a business owner, marketer, or developer, staying informed about these platforms will help you effectively navigate the evolving app distribution ecosystem. 

What is App Stores? 

An app store serves as a central platform where various mobile applications are organized and made available for users, covering everything from education to entertainment. The Apple App Store and Google Play Store are the two dominant platforms that allow users worldwide to discover, purchase, and download apps tailored to their specific needs and preferences.

As a one-stop solution, the app store provides easy access to many applications, ensuring users can find what they need with just a few clicks. For developers, app stores also offer valuable monetization opportunities, enabling them to profit from their creations. Additionally, app stores present significant marketing advantages for businesses of all sizes, allowing them to increase visibility and reach a broader audience through their mobile apps.

Overview of App Store

Outside of China, Apple and Google dominate the app store market, controlling over 95% of the share with iOS and Android. These platforms quickly expanded, allowing third-party developers to create apps and games, which led to millions of apps and significant revenue within just a few years. The app economy is now worth approximately $6.3 trillion. While companies like Microsoft and Huawei have attempted to compete, Apple and Google continue to shape the market by adding barriers for developers and removing low-quality apps. In China, local app stores account for 75% of all downloads, with Apple's store still operating under government scrutiny.

Android App Stores 2025

Discover a curated selection of advanced Android app stores that allow both users and developers to explore the world of Android app development. 

Google Play Store 

The Google Play Store is the top Android app store, offering over 2.26 million apps across various categories like games, music, and education. It provides a seamless experience for downloading and updating apps while supporting monetization through in-app purchases and subscriptions. Google ensures high-security standards for safe downloads. With strong user spending projections, the Play Store remains a key player in the Android app ecosystem. 

Amazon App Store 

Launched in 2011, the Amazon App Store has become an important player in the Android app market. With availability in over 200 countries, it offers global access and unique features, such as Amazon Coins, which provide discounts on in-app purchases and games. Although smaller than Google Play, the App Store continues to grow, especially in the gaming sector. Exact app numbers are difficult to pinpoint, but recent trends show consistent growth, fueled by its unique offerings and increasing interest from both developers and users. While Google Play remains the dominant app store, the Amazon Appstore offers a strong alternative for Android users. 

Appbrain 

AppBrain, launched in 2009 by former Google employees, is an online platform for discovering and downloading Android apps. In addition to being a marketplace, AppBrain acts as a promotional tool for developers, allowing them to advertise their apps on Google Play and monetize through various channels. The AppBrain SDK enables developers to generate revenue by integrating interstitial and banner ads into their apps. The platform also offers tracking tools and real-time campaign analytics to monitor app performance on Google Play. 

SlideMe 

SlideMe is an alternative marketplace for Android apps, offering a diverse selection of applications tailored to different device vendors. It focuses on niche markets, geographic regions, and various payment methods. Recognized as the largest third-party Android app store after Google Play in terms of global reach, SlideMe provides both free and paid apps. It is regarded as one of the top global distribution platforms for Android devices, including smartphones, tablets, and Android TVs.

Aptoide 

Aptoide is one of the fastest-growing Android app marketplaces, allowing users to easily download and install Android applications. It has a large and active user base. Payments on Aptoide are handled through the Appcoins wallet, and users earn a 20% bonus on every in-app purchase they make. 

iOS App Stores 2025 

Explore the curated selection of iOS app stores for 2025, designed to enable the download and installation of apps on iOS devices.

Apple App Stores 

Apple App Store is the largest marketplace for iOS devices like iPhones and iPads, offering around 2.2 million apps. Known for its top-tier security and privacy, it provides a safe platform for downloading apps. It also supports developers with a streamlined submission process and strict guidelines.

AltStore 

AltStore is an open-source alternative app distribution platform that allows users to sideload apps on iOS devices without the need for jailbreaking. It supports the installation of apps like Delta and UTM and is built with strong security features, providing alerts to users when updates are available. AltStore ensures a trustworthy side-loading experience. Each app on the platform has a dedicated store page with detailed information, and it also offers app publishing capabilities for developers. 

Tweakbox 

TweakBox is a well-known iOS app discovery platform that enables users to download apps not available on the Apple App Store. With features like no need for jailbreaking, an easy-to-use interface, and frequent app updates, TweakBox stands out as a top alternative to the official App Store.

Cydia 

Cydia is a package manager tool for iOS devices, serving as an alternative to the Apple App Store by allowing users to install apps on iOS. Completely free, Cydia offers a variety of jailbreak apps, tweaks, themes, and packages. It provides access to software that isn’t available on the Apple App Store. Currently, Cydia has a user base of around 4.5 million. 

App Valley 

AppValley is an alternative app store for iOS devices, offering a wide selection of apps, games, and software for free. The latest update includes modified and tweaked apps tailored to user preferences. AppValley has gained popularity as a successful alternative due to its key features, such as support for jailbreaking and a user-friendly interface, making the app store both efficient and flexible. 

Cross Platform App Stores 2025 

GetJar 

GetJar is a popular alternative app store that offers a wide variety of free apps for Android devices. With a vast selection of games, utilities, and other software, GetJar allows users to discover and download apps not available on other platforms. Its user-friendly interface and extensive catalog make it a go-to choice for Android users seeking free apps.

Appland 

Appland is a cloud computing company specializing in white-label app store solutions. They empower businesses to launch their own branded app stores, offering a platform for distributing and monetizing apps across various devices, from smartphones to smart TVs. Appland simplifies the process of creating and managing app stores, providing a seamless experience for both developers and users.

Uptodown 

Uptodown is a well-known app store offering a wide selection of apps and games for Android, iOS, and Windows devices. It is appreciated for its easy-to-use interface, frequent updates, and focus on safe, reliable downloads. From productivity apps to the latest games, Uptodown provides a diverse range of options in one convenient platform.

Itch.io 

Itch.io is a platform that celebrates independent creators, offering a space to explore and download unique games, comics, soundtracks, and other digital content, often from emerging artists. It encourages creativity and allows users to directly support the developers they enjoy.

Manufacturer Specific App Stores 

LG Smart World 

LG Smart World is an app store designed specifically for LG devices. It provides a convenient way to discover and download apps tailored to your LG smartphone or smart TV. You can find a variety of apps, including games, productivity tools, and entertainment options, all optimized for your LG device.

Huawei App Gallery 

Huawei AppGallery is Huawei's official app store, offering a wide range of apps for its devices. It provides a secure and reliable platform to discover and download apps. While it's a growing ecosystem, it might not have the same extensive app selection as Google Play, but it continues to expand its offerings. 

Xiaomi Mi Get Apps 

Xiaomi GetApps is the official app store for Xiaomi, offering a variety of apps for Android devices. It provides an easy-to-use platform for discovering and downloading apps, with many designed specifically for Xiaomi devices. While it may not have the same recognition as Google Play, it offers a convenient way for Xiaomi users to access a wide range of apps. 

Samsung Galaxy Store 

Samsung Galaxy Store is a dedicated app store for Samsung devices. It offers a curated selection of apps, games, themes, and watch faces specifically designed for Samsung smartphones, tablets, and wearables. The store provides a seamless user experience and access to exclusive content, making it a convenient one-stop shop for all your app needs on Samsung devices. 

Final Thoughts 

As we look ahead to 2025, the app store landscape will continue to evolve, driven by technological advancements and shifting consumer preferences. Major platforms like Google Play and the Apple App Store will remain dominant, but emerging alternatives tailored to niche markets and specific device ecosystems will offer new opportunities for both users and developers. Whether you're looking to discover the latest apps, support independent creators, or find specialized tools for your device, staying informed about the various app stores will be key to navigating this ever-changing digital ecosystem. By understanding the features and unique offerings of these platforms, businesses and developers can position themselves for success in the competitive mobile and cross-platform markets of the future.

If you're looking to create an app that stands out in this evolving marketplace, Osiz, a leading app development company, provides top-tier app solutions to help you build, launch, and scale your mobile app effectively across platforms. Their expertise ensures your app is ready to make a mark in 2025 and beyond.