Flipkart is reportedly moving to launch a standalone app for its quick commerce vertical, Flipkart Minutes, on Thursday, April 23, 2026.
The service is currently integrated as a tab within the main Flipkart app, but the company is now pivoting toward a separate platform to enhance brand identity and user experience, similar to Swiggy Instamart’s independent app launch earlier this year.
1. Roadmap to Launch
Flipkart’s tech teams are currently developing the dedicated app, with a rollout strategy timed to coincide with major shopping events.
- Pilot Phase: A pilot version of the standalone app is expected to launch around July 2026.
- Full-Scale Rollout: The broad public release is targeted for later in the year, likely ahead of the Big Billion Days sale.
- Branding: While “Flipkart Minutes” is the current service name, reports suggest the final name for the standalone app is still being finalized.
2. Aggressive Infrastructure Expansion
To support the standalone app and maintain its 10-minute delivery promise, Flipkart is rapidly scaling its “dark store” network.
- Current Status: As of March 2026, Flipkart has approximately 800 operational dark stores.
- June 2026 Target: The company aims to reach 1,200 stores by June, putting its network size on par with major rivals like Zepto and Swiggy Instamart.
- Year-End Goal: Some reports suggest an even more aggressive target of 1,500 stores by the end of 2026 to capture deeper penetration in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.
3. Competitive Landscape (April 2026)
The move comes as the Indian quick commerce market becomes a high-stakes battleground for e-commerce giants.
| Competitor | Strategy Update (April 2026) |
| Blinkit | Maintaining market lead with ~14M daily active users (DAU). |
| Zepto | Focusing on profitability while maintaining a ~12M DAU. |
| Amazon Now | Announced a ₹2,800 crore investment to double its quick commerce footprint. |
| Swiggy Instamart | Scaling its standalone app (launched Jan 2024) to reach ~3M DAU. |
4. The Pre-IPO Pivot
Analysts view the standalone app as a critical move for Flipkart as it gears up for an IPO in late 2026 or early 2027.
- Valuation: By separating “Minutes” into its own app, Flipkart can better showcase the growth and unit economics of its quick commerce business to potential investors.
- User Behavior: Data shows that standalone apps like Blinkit and Zepto drive higher daily engagement compared to services “hidden” inside larger marketplaces.