Xiaomi Joins Forces with Indus Appstore to Bring Localized App Experience to India’s Smartphones

In an exciting development for the Indian smartphone market, Xiaomi and the PhonePe-owned Indus Appstore have announced a transformative partnership set to reshape how Indian users discover and interact with mobile apps. This game-changing collaboration, unveiled on March 13, 2025, will see Xiaomi’s existing GetApps store being replaced by the Indus Appstore on all new Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones, offering a more localized, user-friendly experience for the diverse Indian audience.

A Bold Move Towards Localization and User-Centric Innovation

The key objective behind this partnership is to enhance the digital experience for Indian users by providing a platform that speaks their language—literally. The Indus Appstore will support 12 major Indian languages, allowing users to explore apps and games in their preferred language, making it more accessible than ever before. Additionally, the platform introduces an innovative video-led app discovery system, giving users visual previews of apps before downloading them, an essential feature for users in today’s fast-paced, visual-driven world.

Indus Appstore Features: A Step Towards Cultural Relevance

In a country as diverse as India, where linguistic and cultural differences are vast, localization becomes paramount. The Indus Appstore aims to bridge this gap by offering voice command capabilities in 10 Indian languages, allowing users to search for apps using natural speech, further simplifying the user experience. The app store also boasts a rich catalog, with over 5 lakh mobile apps and games across 45 categories, ensuring there’s something for everyone, from entertainment to productivity and beyond.

According to Priya M Narasimhan, the Chief Business Officer of Indus Appstore, "Our partnership with Xiaomi India marks a significant milestone towards our goal of building a horizontal app store for Indian Mobile Users and Developers. By combining Xiaomi India’s reach with our localized app discovery platform, we’re creating opportunities for developers while delivering a seamless, culturally-relevant experience to users. This partnership is just the beginning of our vision to transform how India discovers and experiences mobile apps."

This focus on localization is a huge win for Indian developers, offering them a wider platform to showcase their apps and games to millions of potential users. As India’s app market continues to grow rapidly, this strategic collaboration seeks to empower local talent and drive innovation from within the country.

Xiaomi’s Commitment to ‘Make for India’ Innovations

Xiaomi, known for its commitment to the Indian market, is doubling down on its “Make for India” philosophy with this partnership. Sudhin Mathur, the Chief Operating Officer of Xiaomi India, explained, "As India’s digital ecosystem continues to grow, the demand for a locally driven app marketplace has never been more critical. At Xiaomi India, we have always championed ‘Make for India’ innovations, and this partnership with Indus Appstore is a strategic step in that direction. By integrating Indus Appstore with our ecosystem, we aim to offer users a seamless and enriched app discovery experience, while also supporting Indian developers in reaching a wider audience."

With millions of active Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones in the country, this collaboration promises to provide users with a more tailored digital experience, fostering an inclusive ecosystem that benefits both users and developers alike. The integration of the Indus Appstore will also be a step towards reducing dependency on international app stores, empowering Indian tech talent and encouraging the creation of homegrown digital solutions.

What This Means for Users and Developers Alike

For users, this shift represents a significant leap in convenience and cultural relevance. The easy-to-navigate app store, with its support for multiple languages and voice search, promises to deliver a frictionless experience. Whether you’re a casual gamer, a productivity enthusiast, or someone looking for the latest regional content, the Indus Appstore aims to meet your needs without the overwhelming complexity often associated with global platforms.

For Indian developers, this partnership opens up a world of opportunities. With Xiaomi’s extensive reach and the Indus Appstore’s localized features, developers can now access a wider audience, ensuring their apps and games receive the visibility they deserve in the rapidly growing Indian mobile market.

Looking Ahead: The Future of India’s Digital Ecosystem

This partnership marks just the beginning of a new chapter in India’s digital ecosystem. As more brands and developers focus on catering to India’s unique needs, users will continue to benefit from a growing range of localized, innovative, and user-friendly mobile solutions. Xiaomi’s collaboration with Indus Appstore is not just about replacing an app store; it’s about transforming the entire app discovery experience and contributing to a robust, inclusive digital landscape in India.

As the Indian mobile market continues to evolve, this move by Xiaomi and Indus Appstore could very well set the stage for other global players to rethink their strategies and focus more on delivering culturally relevant, user-first solutions that cater to the diverse needs of Indian consumers.

the Xiaomi-Indus Appstore partnership promises to revolutionize the app discovery experience in India, fostering both innovation and inclusivity. With a focus on localization and developer empowerment, this collaboration is one to watch as it unfolds in the coming months.

This collaboration positions Xiaomi as a key player in India’s ever-evolving digital space, with the Indus Appstore leading the charge towards a more personalized, culturally sensitive, and accessible mobile experience for users across the nation.