Xiaomi to Preinstall PhonePe App Store on Smartphones in India

Xiaomi to Preinstall PhonePe’s Indus Appstore on Smartphones in India

Xiaomi, the Chinese smartphone manufacturer, announced on Thursday a new collaboration. Android smartphones sold in India by Xiaomi will now feature the PhonePe app store preinstalled.

Current App Store Setup

Typically, Xiaomi’s Android devices are shipped with Google’s Play Store and the company’s proprietary GetApps. A new multi-year agreement with PhonePe will see GetApps replaced by the Indus Appstore. This development aligns with previous reporting by TechCrunch regarding this potential partnership.

Google Play Store Remains

The Play Store will continue to be a standard inclusion on Xiaomi’s smartphones. Details regarding the rollout of the Indus Appstore to existing Xiaomi devices, both sold and currently in retail, were not disclosed. The exact implementation timeline also remains unspecified.

PhonePe’s Strategy in the Indian App Market

PhonePe is actively challenging Google’s dominance within the Indian app market. A key differentiator is their commitment to a zero-fee policy for developers regarding in-app purchases.

Indus Appstore Features

The Indus Appstore boasts support for 12 Indian languages. It also incorporates a video-centric discovery feed and currently hosts over 500,000 applications spanning various categories.

Challenges for Alternative App Stores

Gaining traction for alternative app stores can be difficult. Building user trust and encouraging adoption of another app store requires significant effort. Preinstallation on new smartphones is a strategy PhonePe is employing to overcome this initial hurdle.

Performance Data

Currently, PhonePe has not released any data concerning download numbers or revenue generated for developers through its app store.

Xiaomi’s Perspective

“As India’s digital ecosystem continues to grow, the demand for a locally driven app marketplace has never been more critical,” stated Sudhin Mathur, COO of Xiaomi India. “At Xiaomi India, we have always championed ‘Make for India’ innovations, and this partnership with Indus Appstore is a strategic step in that direction.”

This collaboration represents a significant move towards fostering a more localized app ecosystem within India.