Back in July 2017, Microsoft stopped working on Windows Phone 8.1. At this point, phones running the outdated OS stopped getting software updates.

Now, Microsoft is about to pull the plug and completely shut down the app store. The company will put this in place starting December 16, 2019. From that day, you will no longer be able to download apps.

This means that if you uninstall an app, you will no longer be able to download it from the store. Even apps that you already have will no longer be available once you lose them.

Not only will you be unable to download apps, but you will also be unable to update the apps you already have. Some of your apps will also possibly suffer degraded functionality. This is because Microsoft’s services are also shutting down.

If you have a Lumia model that can be updated to Windows 10 Mobile, this is a good time to do that. But even official support for Windows 10 Mobile is ending too. In fact, it has already ended for some devices. However, the good news is that the app store will remain operational.

You will need the PC updater tool or the Upgrade Advisor app on your phone to install the Windows 10 Mobile update. If you intend to use the Upgrade Advisor app, then you should download it before December 16.

Find the list of affected phones here.

Source: https://www.smartphonecamp.com/microsoft-set-to-pull-the-plug-on-windows-phone-8-1s-app-store-before-the-end-of-the-year/

Sad. So the only choice we have is now android and iOS. No variety. This is not good