Flipkart Plans Standalone App for Minutes Quick Commerce Ahead of Big Billion Days
Flipkart is reportedly planning to launch a standalone mobile application for its quick commerce vertical, Minutes, as part of its strategy to strengthen its position in India’s rapidly growing instant delivery market. Currently integrated as a feature within the main Flipkart app, Minutes could soon operate independently, with a pilot launch expected around July and a wider rollout planned before the end of the year, just ahead of the company’s flagship festive sale season.
The move reflects a broader industry trend where companies are increasingly separating their quick commerce services into dedicated platforms to improve user engagement, brand recall, and operational efficiency. By launching a standalone app, Flipkart aims to provide a more focused and seamless experience for users looking for ultra-fast deliveries, typically within minutes.
Flipkart’s decision comes in the wake of similar strategies adopted by competitors. Swiggy, for instance, introduced a separate app for its quick commerce service Instamart in early 2024. The company’s leadership had indicated that quick commerce is on track to surpass traditional food delivery in both reach and scale, highlighting the growing importance of this segment in India’s digital economy.
Industry experts believe that having a dedicated app can significantly enhance visibility and customer retention. A standalone platform allows companies to design tailored user interfaces, push personalized notifications, and create a distinct brand identity for their quick commerce offerings. However, the strategy is not without challenges, as user adoption of separate apps has been gradual in some cases.
Flipkart has reportedly assembled a dedicated technology team to develop the Minutes app while simultaneously studying consumer preferences and usage patterns. The final name of the app is yet to be confirmed, suggesting that the company is still refining its branding strategy.
Since its launch in August 2024, Minutes has rapidly expanded its infrastructure to support faster deliveries. The company operated around 750–800 dark stores as of March 2026 and has been adding approximately 100 new stores every month this year. By June, its network is expected to reach nearly 1,200 dark stores, putting it on par with major competitors like Zepto and Blinkit.
The quick commerce segment in India has become intensely competitive, with multiple players vying for market share through aggressive expansion and investment. Amazon India has also stepped up its efforts, announcing an investment of Rs 2,800 crore to strengthen its infrastructure and scale up its quick commerce service, Amazon Now. This indicates that global and domestic players alike are betting heavily on the future of instant delivery.
Despite the push for standalone apps, data suggests mixed adoption trends. Instamart, for example, has recorded around 2–3 million daily active users in recent months, while most of its orders still originate from within the main app. In contrast, standalone-first platforms like Blinkit and Zepto have achieved significantly higher engagement levels, with approximately 14 million and 12 million daily active users respectively. These differences highlight the importance of execution, user experience, and brand positioning in determining the success of such strategies.
Flipkart’s move also aligns with its broader business goals as it prepares for a potential initial public offering (IPO) next year. The company recently completed a reverse flip, shifting its domicile from Singapore back to India after receiving regulatory approval. This restructuring is seen as a key step in aligning with domestic market expectations and regulatory frameworks ahead of its public listing.
In addition to quick commerce, Flipkart is reportedly exploring entry into other high-growth segments, including food delivery. This diversification strategy suggests that the company is aiming to build a comprehensive digital ecosystem that goes beyond traditional e-commerce.
