The apps marketplace for phones running the predecessor of Windows Phone, Windows Mobile, will be shut down on 9 May, according to reports. Microsoft sent an email to Windows Mobile users notifying them of the closure of the service.

The disappearance of the marketplace will affect devices running any of the variants of version 6 of Windows Mobile. The Windows Mobile Marketplace was launched in October 2009 for devices running Windows Phone 6.5.

Until the marketplace closes, mobile users can download or update any apps they require. Previously installed apps and games will continue to work on devices but won’t be recoverable from Microsoft in the event of a phone being wiped, although some third party app stores may still offer them.