Amazon blames malware threat for blocking sideloading on new Fire Sticks

Amazon has stopped releasing new Fire Stick devices that support sideloading apps from outside its Appstore, blaming the threat of malware for the decision. The company has released two Fire Stick models using Vega OS, a proprietary Linux-based operating system. Previous models ran Fire OS, which is based on the Android Open Source Project. The key difference is that Vega OS does not allow sideloading.

While some users sideloaded apps for added functionality, such as accessing Google Play Store, sideloading had become heavily associated with streaming piracy, particularly of sports events. Stakeholders including Sky Sports, the English Premier League, and DAZN have long blamed Fire Sticks for enabling piracy. A May 2025 report from Enders Analysis estimated that Fire Sticks facilitated billions of dollars in streaming piracy.

Moving to Vega OS gives Amazon greater control over devices, preventing users from circumventing ad placements and supporting new features like Alexa+ and subscription services. However, when discussing the motivation for Vega OS, Aidan Marcuss, VP of Fire TV, advertising, and Appstore, did not mention piracy directly. In an interview, he said Vega OS allows Amazon to “innovate and deliver more capabilities, even on the least expensive devices” and that building a platform around security and privacy was “utmost in my mind.” The statement is ironic given that Vega OS blocks custom launchers and third-party apps that helped users avoid Amazon tracking and ads.