Amazon blames piracy apps with malware for killing new Fire Stick sideloading
Summary
Amazon has stopped making new Fire Stick models that allow sideloading apps, which means installing apps from outside Amazon’s official Appstore. The company says this change is to protect users from harmful software called malware that can come from these sideloaded apps.Key Facts
- Amazon’s new Fire Sticks use Vega OS, a Linux-based system that does not support sideloading apps.
- Older Fire Sticks used Fire OS, which was based on Android and allowed sideloading.
- Sideloading on Fire Sticks has been linked to streaming piracy, especially for live sports events.
- Some streaming companies blame Fire Sticks for large amounts of illegal sports streaming.
- Amazon says apps installed through sideloading can carry malware or unwanted software.
- In 2025, Amazon blocked four video streaming apps from sideloading due to malicious behavior.
- Vega OS also helps Amazon control ads and track users more easily on Fire Sticks.
- Amazon aims to improve security and add features like Alexa+, its AI chatbot, on the new OS.
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