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Amazon’s latest Fire TV Sticks are beginning to remove one of the device’s most popular unofficial features: the ability to install apps from outside Amazon’s Appstore.
This change coincides with the rollout of Vega OS, Amazon’s newer Linux-based Fire TV operating system. The Fire TV Stick 4K Select is the first model to run Vega OS, and Amazon’s developer website indicates future Fire TV sticks will utilize this platform. Previously, older Fire Sticks operated on Fire OS, an Android-based system that allowed users more freedom to sideload apps and customize their devices.
However, Vega OS handles sideloading differently. While it still permits it through developer tools, the process now requires enabling Developer Mode, creating an Amazon developer account, and registering the device—making it more complex than the consumer-friendly methods used in the past.
For consumers, this means a tradeoff: the new streaming devices might be simpler to operate but offer significantly less freedom to customize the experience.
In a related interview, Amazon’s Fire TV chief linked the restriction on sideloaded apps to concerns about malware and malicious code. While he highlighted security and privacy as priorities, he didn’t cite any specific cases where sideloading led to harm.
The security concern isn’t unfounded. Previously, Amazon removed several video apps after they were linked to malware or flagged by virus scanners. Additionally, an older Android botnet appeared on some Fire Sticks, providing Amazon with a broader security justification for these restrictions.
Vega OS also limits customization by blocking the installation of sideloaded apps and preventing the use of custom launchers—two common avenues users relied on to modify their Fire TV devices.
The broader change is reflected in the updated home screen, which has shifted towards more advertising and recommendations. Fewer workarounds mean less control over what appears immediately after powering on the device.
App support is another notable difference. While UK Vega OS Fire Sticks support around 3,000 apps, Fire OS models offer access to approximately 40,000. This gap may not matter for many users who stick to major streaming services, but it becomes apparent when a preferred app or media standard isn’t available.
Those considering whether to upgrade should think carefully. Vega OS Fire Sticks are suitable for basic streaming, with Amazon claiming the platform covers most popular content. Many users only install the primary streaming apps, so they may find Vega OS meets their needs.
However, power users should evaluate the app catalog, storage capabilities, video features, and customization options before making a purchase. If sideloading is a key reason for buying a Fire Stick, Vega OS represents a significant change and shouldn’t be viewed as just a routine upgrade.
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