If you’ve owned a Fire TV Stick over the last few years, you’ve been using Fire OS — Amazon’s customized version of Android. It allowed you to install apps from the Amazon Appstore and sideload extra tools like TiviMate, Downloader, or Analiti.

Now, Amazon has launched Vega OS — first seen on the new Fire TV Stick 4K Select. It looks the same, but works very differently.

This article explains, with verified information, how Fire OS and Vega OS differ, what devices they run on, and why those differences matter to advanced users.

Fire OS — The Android-Based System You Know

Fire OS is built on Android Open Source Project (AOSP).
It allows:

• ✅ Sideloading APK files via Downloader or file managers.

• ✅ VPN apps from major providers.

• ✅ Developer Options and ADB access.

• ✅ Use of diagnostic tools like Analiti or DNS Changer.

This flexibility is why many users prefer Fire OS devices — they feel like open Android TV boxes inside Amazon’s interface.

Vega OS — Amazon’s New Locked Platform

Vega OS arrived in 2025 with the Fire TV Stick 4K Select.

Unlike Fire OS, Vega OS is not Android-based; it’s a custom Linux system that runs Amazon’s UI and services directly.

Key facts (verified Nov 2025):

• 🚫 No APK or sideloading support.

• 🚫 No Developer Options or ADB.

• 📦 Only apps from the Amazon Appstore install or run.

• 🔒 Early builds lacked VPN apps (coming later).

• ⚙️ Third-party tools and custom players like TiviMate cannot be installed.

Vega OS keeps Amazon’s familiar Fire TV interface but replaces Android’s open core with a closed environment similar to Roku OS or Apple tvOS.

Will Vega OS Replace Fire OS Everywhere? (Verified Status)

As of November 2025:

• Vega OS ships only on new devices such as the Fire TV Stick 4K Select.

• Existing Fire OS devices (Fire Stick Lite, 4K, 4K Max, Fire TV Cube, etc.) will remain on Fire OS.

• Amazon has not announced any plans to upgrade older hardware to Vega OS.

• Developers are being told to support both platforms side by side for now.

So while Vega OS is the future for new models, your current Fire Stick is not getting converted — only subject to app-blocking measures within Fire OS.

Feature Comparison: Fire OS vs Vega OS

Why Amazon Is Making This Change

Amazon’s shift to Vega OS is driven by:

• 🔒 Security: Blocking apps that bundle malware or trackers.

• ⚖️ Copyright Compliance: Reducing unlicensed stream distribution.

• ⚙️ Ecosystem Consistency: Simplifying updates and support.

• 💰 Appstore Revenue: Keeping installs inside Amazon’s platform.

For most casual users, this means a safer, simpler device.
For power users, it means losing freedom and control.

What This Means for You

If you currently use a Fire Stick with Fire OS:

✅ You can keep using it normally — sideloading and VPNs still work.
🚫 Some apps may be blocked if Amazon flags them under new security rules.
🧩 Your device will not upgrade to Vega OS automatically.

If you buy a Fire TV Stick 4K Select or future models running Vega OS:

⚠️ You won’t be able to sideload apps or install custom players.
⚙️ You’ll be limited to Appstore apps until (or unless) Amazon adds more approved options.

Final Thoughts

Vega OS represents Amazon’s next generation of Fire TV software — more controlled, more secure, and more restrictive.

Fire OS remains on existing devices and will continue to receive updates.
For power users who depend on custom apps and players, Fire OS is still the better choice.

In short: Keep your current Fire OS device if you value freedom.
Choose Vega OS only if you prefer simplicity and don’t need advanced tools.

We’ll update this article if Amazon announces any changes to the Fire OS timeline or Vega rollout.