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According to the official Fire TV developer documentation, Amazon has added a note stating that:
“Starting with Fire TV 4K Select, all future Fire TV Sticks will run on Vega OS”
What This Means for Sideloading
After the launch of FireStick 4K Select in 2025 (most-hated stick till date), there were some ifs and buts whether Amazon would stick to Vega OS or not. Looks like Amazon will!
As per the developer page, Amazon is now officially replacing the Fire OS with its custom Linux-based Vega OS for its future FireSticks.
Vega OS locks devices into a closed app ecosystem, where all apps must be installed only through Amazon’s official Appstore.
This effectively implies APK files will no longer be supported (like FireStick 4K Select) through Downloader or any other app/software on upcoming models.
New FireStick HD Launch & Amazon’s Silence on Vega OS
Amazon is rolling out the new Fire TV Stick HD on 29 April for $34.99 (pre-orders are available).
Two standout features of the device are a slimmer design (around 30% slimmer than the rest of the models) and the ability to be powered via the TV’s USB port.
However, there is no explicit reference to Vega OS anywhere in the official product listing or press materials for the Fire TV Stick HD.
The only visible indication that the device will run on Vega OS is a security-related message on the product page:
“For enhanced security, this device prevents sideloading or installing apps from unknown sources. Only apps from the Amazon Appstore are available for download.”
Current Fire TV Stick Devices Remain Unaffected
Amazon’s official customer service page clearly mentions that all existing Fire TV devices running Fire OS will continue to receive updates until 2030.
Hence, they will continue supporting sideloading APKs for at least the next 4-5 years. Refer to the screenshot below for the full list of devices and update timeline 👇
