PhonePe’s Indus Appstore comes with a big promise: providing an Indian-made alternative to Google Play for Android users. While it’s a great idea in theory, the way it’s been executed so far makes it hard to see it replacing Google Play or even reaching a wide audience. If Indus Appstore is going to be more than just a niche option, it might need to rethink its approach to usability and integration. Here’s a closer look at what it offers, what it could improve, and why some simple changes might make it a lot more user-friendly.
First Impressions: A Hard Sell for the Average User
The Indus Appstore aims to create a local alternative to the Google Play store on Android devices. However, considering that every Android phone already comes with Google Play pre-installed, most users probably won’t see a reason to install another app store—especially one that requires a few extra steps. For Indus to be a real contender, it would need to offer something that Google Play doesn’t, or at least make accessing it much easier.
One-way PhonePe could encourage more users to try Indus is by integrating it directly into the PhonePe payments app. Since millions of users already have PhonePe on their phones, having an “Indus Appstore” section right within the payments app could make the experience feel more seamless. This would skip the need to download Indus Appstore separately and could save users the hassle of creating new accounts. However, Android users would still need to enable third-party app installation permissions for this to work, which might still deter some people who are cautious about security.
Availability: Only for Android, with a Limited Audience
Since Indus Appstore is only available on Android, it’s already limited in reach, as Apple doesn’t allow app sideloading in most markets outside of Europe. This means Indus Appstore is restricted to the Android ecosystem, and within that, it has to compete with Google Play, which already provides a huge selection of apps and a familiar experience.
A more appealing way for Indus to reach users could be by working as an additional option within an app they already use regularly, like PhonePe.
Usability: Too Many Steps for Everyday Use
One of the biggest challenges for Indus Appstore is that it’s not as straightforward to use as Google Play. Unlike Google Play, which manages permissions smoothly and installs apps with a single tap, Indus requires users to manually allow third-party app installations. This is fine for more tech-savvy users, but for the average person, it’s just an extra step that feels inconvenient and might raise concerns about security.
There’s also the question of app safety. Google Play has strict security measures and runs apps through various checks to ensure they’re safe. Indus Appstore, however, doesn’t offer the same level of built-in security, so users have to be careful about downloading apps. While some users might see value in supporting a local app store, most people prioritize ease and security, which makes it hard for Indus to compete without improving in these areas.
Developer Experience: Extra Requirements Create Frustration
From a developer’s perspective, getting started with Indus Appstore isn’t as smooth as it could be. Unlike Google Play, which has a streamlined onboarding process, Indus requires extra personal information like PAN Card and Driving License details. This additional paperwork can feel like a hurdle for developers who are used to simpler processes on other platforms.
For the Indus Appstore to attract more developers, it would need to simplify this process. Developers prefer platforms that let them get their apps to users quickly and easily, so adding extra steps without clear benefits may drive them away to other app stores. If Indus Appstore truly wants to become a platform for Indian developers, cutting down on unnecessary registration requirements could make a big difference.
Final Thoughts: Room for Improvement
The Indus Appstore has potential as a local app store, but right now, it’s not quite there yet. Integrating the app store within the PhonePe app could be a clever way to get more users interested, as it would reduce the number of steps needed to access the app store. However, this wouldn’t eliminate the hassle of enabling third-party permissions and wouldn’t address the lack of security features that users have come to expect.
To really stand out, Indus Appstore would need to work on making its platform more user-friendly, simplifying the developer registration process, and focusing on improving security measures for users. For now, it seems like a promising idea that needs some adjustments to become a true competitor in the app store market.
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