Xiaomi India has made a bold move by replacing its default app store, GetApps, with PhonePe’s Indus Appstore. As part of a multi-year agreement between the two companies, all new Xiaomi smartphones in India will come preloaded with Indus Appstore, while existing devices will receive the transition through a software update. This shift marks a significant step in India’s push toward localized digital solutions and a homegrown alternative to global tech giants.
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Indus Appstore’s Chief Business Officer, Priya M. Narasimhan, described the partnership as a milestone in building an open, India-first app marketplace. She believes the integration with Xiaomi will provide Indian developers with greater reach while offering users a digital experience that aligns with local culture and language. Xiaomi India’s COO, Sudhin Mathur, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that Indian smartphone users deserve an app store tailored to their needs. He called the partnership a strategic step in fostering homegrown digital innovation.
With this shift, Xiaomi users will experience a new approach to app discovery. Indus Appstore supports 12 Indian languages, making it more accessible to a broader audience. It also introduces voice-enabled search in 10 languages, reducing the reliance on English keyboards. The app store will offer over 500,000 apps and games across 45 categories, ensuring a wide selection for users. Additionally, it features a video-first approach to app previews, helping users make more informed choices.
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For developers, Indus Appstore provides a self-publishing platform, localization tools, and round-the-clock customer support, making it easier for both established and emerging developers to succeed in the Indian app market. By prioritizing regional accessibility and developer-friendly features, Indus Appstore aims to create a strong alternative to the dominant global players.
With Xiaomi’s massive market presence and Indus Appstore’s India-centric vision, this partnership could reshape the country’s digital ecosystem. While it remains to be seen whether it can challenge Google Play’s dominance, it certainly signals a shift toward India’s growing push for indigenous tech solutions.
