Last Updated November 2025

About the PN App Store

In early 2019, PN launched the PN App Store for Android on Aptoide, a third-party app distribution platform that offered an alternative to Google Play. The store was designed to provide privacy-focused and security-conscious Android users with curated applications aligned with PN's values.

What Happened

Aptoide operated on a decentralized model that allowed individuals and organizations to create and manage custom app stores through unique URLs (e.g., https://en.aptoide.com/store/pndotcom). This innovative approach gave developers and curators autonomy over their app collections.

However, starting in 2020 through 2022, Aptoide quietly began discontinuing support for custom user-managed stores. This change affected numerous store operators, including PN, whose store was removed without prior notice or explanation.

Understanding the Change

While Aptoide did not issue a formal announcement about this policy shift, several factors likely contributed to the decision:

Platform Evolution
Aptoide transitioned from a decentralized repository model to a more centralized app store approach, focusing on curated stores like "Aptoide Games" and partnerships with established companies.

Security Considerations
In April 2020, Aptoide experienced a significant data breach affecting 20 million users. The platform also faced ongoing challenges with malicious apps and malware across user-created stores, making comprehensive security oversight difficult.

Legal and Compliance Factors
The decentralized model presented challenges for copyright enforcement and DMCA compliance. As regulatory requirements evolved, particularly with the EU's Digital Markets Act, centralized operations likely became necessary.

Infrastructure Modernization
Evidence suggests Aptoide underwent substantial backend restructuring, with many API endpoints deprecated and services consolidated.

The New PN App Store

PN has established a new app store that continues our commitment to privacy, security, and user autonomy. The new PN App Store is now available at www.pn.com.

For questions about the PN App Store, please visit www.pn.com.