Xiaomi to replace GetApps with Indus Appstore in India under new partnership

In a move to reshape India’s app marketplace landscape, Xiaomi India has announced a multi-year partnership with PhonePe’s Indus Appstore. The agreement will see Xiaomi’s Android smartphones preloaded with the Indus Appstore, replacing the company’s existing GetApps platform. The collaboration marks a strategic shift for both companies as they aim to strengthen India’s digital ecosystem with a localized approach.

Xiaomi’s devices in India have traditionally come equipped with Google Play Store and its own GetApps store. With this new alliance, future Xiaomi smartphones sold in India will feature Indus Appstore alongside Google Play Store. However, details on whether this transition will apply to existing Xiaomi devices remain unclear.

PhonePe’s Indus Appstore is positioning itself as a strong alternative to Google Play Store by offering a commission-free model for in-app purchases and catering specifically to Indian users. The app store supports 12 Indian languages, features a video-led app discovery experience, and offers voice-enabled search in 10 languages. With a catalog of over 500,000 apps across multiple categories, Indus Appstore aims to provide a broader reach for Indian developers while enhancing accessibility for local users.

Alternative app stores have historically faced challenges in gaining widespread adoption, primarily due to trust issues and user reluctance to install additional marketplaces. However, by securing preinstallation on Xiaomi’s smartphones, Indus Appstore is attempting to bypass these barriers and gain direct access to millions of users from the outset.

The partnership aligns with Xiaomi India’s focus on ‘Make for India’ innovations. Sudhin Mathur, Chief Operating Officer at Xiaomi India, emphasized the significance of this move, stating that the demand for a locally driven app marketplace is increasing. He added that the collaboration reflects Xiaomi’s commitment to providing users with a seamless and culturally relevant app discovery experience while supporting Indian developers.

Meanwhile, Priya M Narasimhan, Chief Business Officer of Indus Appstore, called the deal a significant milestone in establishing a horizontal app store tailored for Indian users. She highlighted that the partnership aims to drive innovation and accessibility in the country’s digital landscape by integrating a feature-rich, consumer-first app marketplace.

Despite the announcement, neither company has disclosed an exact timeline for the rollout of Indus Appstore on Xiaomi devices. Additionally, it remains unclear whether users with existing Xiaomi smartphones will receive the Indus Appstore via software updates.

PhonePe has not released any metrics on the app store’s current adoption or revenue generation, making it difficult to gauge its market traction. However, by securing a distribution channel through Xiaomi, one of India’s leading smartphone brands, Indus Appstore may gain a substantial foothold in the Indian app market.