Amazon announced its new Fire TV Stick 4K on September 30, 2026, and said shipping began that day in the United States and 10 other markets. The 2026 model runs Amazon’s Linux-based Vega OS and includes Alexa+. Amazon lists a US price of $59.99, with a limited-time $29.99 Prime Big Deal Days offer.
What Vega OS means for apps
Vega OS is Amazon’s Linux-based operating system, distinct from the Android-based Fire OS. Amazon introduced Vega in 2025 with the Fire TV Stick 4K Select; the 2026 Fire TV Stick 4K is a separate model. Amazon says it has added more than 2,000 apps to the Vega platform since its first device, including Spotify, Xbox, VLC, and VPN apps. It also lists services such as Netflix, Disney+, YouTube, Prime Video, and Tubi among popular apps on the platform.
A hands-on review of the 2025 Fire TV Stick 4K Select reported that sideloading was unavailable and that no games were available at the time. It also found that 24p frame-rate matching failed in the apps tested. Those observations concern the Select; the 2026 Fire TV Stick 4K is a different device.
Specs and Amazon’s speed claims
The 2026 Fire TV Stick 4K has 8 GB of storage and a quad-core 1.7 GHz processor. Its wireless specifications include Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, and Bluetooth Low Energy. It supports output at 2160p, 1080p, and 720p, up to 60 frames per second, and lists HDR10, HDR10+, HLG, H.265, H.264, VP9, and AV1 video formats.
Amazon says apps launch more than 35% faster than on an unnamed, similarly priced 4K streaming stick. It also says content starts nearly 20% faster than on that device. These are Amazon’s comparisons; the company does not identify the competing model in its announcement.
How it fits the Fire TV lineup
Amazon positions the Fire TV Stick 4K between the entry-level Fire TV Stick HD and the higher-performance Fire TV Stick 4K Max. Amazon describes the Max as having more storage and premium features including Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos.
The name can be confusing: Fire TV Stick 4K Select was the first Vega-based Fire TV device, while the 2026 Fire TV Stick 4K is a separate Vega model. Fire TV Stick 4K Plus is another distinct listing: Amazon describes it as a renamed version of an earlier Fire TV Stick 4K with unchanged functionality.
The redesigned remote and what comes next
The 2026 stick comes with a redesigned Fire TV Remote. Its asymmetrical shape and tactile controls are designed to be easier to distinguish by touch, and its star button can be customized. The remote also has dedicated power, volume, and mute controls for compatible TVs and audio equipment. Amazon announced a standalone US price of $14.99, with shipping expected to begin in late October 2026.
Amazon plans to launch Fire TV Remote Plus in early 2027. The remote is designed with an aluminum housing, backlit buttons, and a Find My Remote feature.
