In a move that could shake up India’s Android app landscape, Motorola India has partnered with PhonePe to bring the Indus Appstore to all of its smartphones and tablets sold in the country. The announcement was made via a press release on Wednesday, expanding the reach of the Made-in-India app marketplace to another major smartphone brand.
With this integration, Motorola users in India will now have direct access to the Indus Appstore, providing them with an alternative to the Google Play Store — one that’s more localized, multilingual, and India-focused.
Let’s break down what this means for users, developers, and the Indian app ecosystem.
Partnership
PhonePe officially confirmed its partnership with Motorola, stating that the Indus Appstore will now come preloaded on all Motorola smartphones and tablets in India. This adds Motorola to a growing list of manufacturers — including Xiaomi and Lava — that support the app marketplace.
Although financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, this collaboration is expected to broaden the appstore’s footprint significantly, especially among users looking for Indian-made alternatives.
Both companies are calling this a win for Indian consumers. TM Narasimhan, MD of Motorola Mobility India, said this move provides users with a culturally relevant app discovery experience.
Features
So what sets the Indus Appstore apart from the usual Play Store?
Here’s what Motorola users can expect:
- Personalised in-app experience based on usage
- AI-powered voice search
- Support for 12+ Indian languages, including Hindi, Marathi, Tamil, and Malayalam
- Over 5 lakh apps, including major names like Flipkart, Ixigo, JioMart, Domino’s, Snapdeal, and Bajaj Finserv
- Every app is scanned for malware and security risks
The platform is designed to give Indian users a more tailored, language-inclusive experience and better app discovery — particularly for those not fluent in English.
Devices
The Indus Appstore will now be:
| Manufacturer | Preloaded Appstore |
|---|---|
| Motorola | Yes – Indus Appstore |
| Xiaomi | Yes (claimed by PhonePe, but not default) |
| Lava | Yes – Indus Appstore |
With Motorola’s partnership, the store is reaching into mid-range and premium Android territory, and not just budget handsets.
This also means millions of new users will be exposed to the appstore out-of-the-box, which could significantly help Indian developers distribute apps outside of Google’s ecosystem.
Impact
Why does this matter?
India’s app economy is growing fast. But until now, Google Play Store has been the default (and often only) option for downloading Android apps. Indus Appstore is positioning itself as a homegrown alternative, aiming to democratize access for both users and developers.
PhonePe claims that the Indus Appstore is at an inflection point, poised to “revolutionise the Indian app economy” — especially by offering zero commission fees for developers, more control over monetisation, and localized user engagement tools.
Developer Advantage
The Indus Appstore isn’t just about user experience — it’s also attracting Indian app developers who want an alternative to Google’s tight policies and commission structures.
Here’s what Indus offers to devs:
- No listing fee
- Zero commission on in-app purchases (at launch)
- Support for multiple languages
- Detailed analytics and visibility tools
This opens the door for regional startups, small businesses, and indie developers to reach millions without burning cash on commissions.
Outlook
With the Motorola partnership now official, the Indus Appstore continues to grow its user base. While it’s not replacing Google Play Store just yet, it’s becoming a strong second choice, especially for users who prefer regional content, local language support, and a more personalised app experience.
It’s also a signal that India wants to own more of its digital infrastructure — from payments to apps — and Motorola is now officially a part of that journey.
FAQs
Is Indus Appstore now on Motorola phones?
Yes, it comes preloaded on all Motorola smartphones in India.
Who owns the Indus Appstore?
Indus Appstore is developed and operated by PhonePe.
What features does Indus Appstore offer?
It includes AI voice search, 12 languages, and 5+ lakh apps.
Is Indus Appstore available on other brands?
Yes, it’s also on Xiaomi and Lava smartphones in India.
Are apps on Indus Appstore safe?
Yes, all apps are scanned for malware and security risks.
