“Starting with Fire TV Stick 4K Select, all future Fire TV Sticks will run on Vega.” This announcement marks a pivotal moment for Amazon’s streaming devices.
As of now, Amazon’s new operating system, Vega OS, is designed to replace the existing Fire OS. It is built directly on Linux, unlike its predecessor which was based on Android. This transition reflects Amazon’s long-term vision for its streaming products.
The first device to feature Vega OS was the Fire TV Stick 4K Select, launched in October 2025. Following this, the new Fire TV Stick HD was released in April 2026 and also operates on Vega OS.
However, there are limitations. Vega OS does not support sideloading of apps—meaning users cannot install apps from outside Amazon’s ecosystem. Currently, the Amazon App Store lists around 3,000 apps available for Vega OS devices. In contrast, Android-based Fire TV sticks offer about 40,000 apps.
Moreover, Vega OS lacks support for Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos audio formats. To bridge this gap, Amazon plans to stream some Android-based Fire OS apps via the cloud on Vega OS devices.
The new Fire TV Stick HD model is reported to be 30% slimmer and over 30% faster than previous generations. This performance enhancement could appeal to users looking for a more efficient streaming experience.
Amazon’s developer site confirmed that all future Fire TV Sticks will operate on Vega. “Vega OS is entirely run on the cloud,” a representative stated. Yet, users should take note—”You cannot do that on the Select or forthcoming HD Fire TV Sticks—or any other future models.” This indicates a clear shift in how users will interact with their devices.
Amazon has been developing Vega OS for years, initially testing it on Echo Show smart displays before introducing it to the Fire TV lineup. Details remain unconfirmed regarding further updates or additional features expected in future releases.