Your Fire TV Stick is getting a major free upgrade this year, and here’s what’s new

Amazon is unleashing a massive free upgrade for its Fire TV Sticks later this year.

Some popular Fire TV Stick models are set to receive a significant free upgrade from Amazon, which is being released to enhance the overall experience. Once installed, users will be treated to a bunch of changes, including a refreshed look. This design change features a more modern interface with updated typography, redesigned colour gradients and improved layouts on the homescreen. Navigation should also feel noticeably snappier, with Amazon promising performance improvements of up to 30 percent when moving through menus.

The update isn’t just about the way things look or boosted speeds. Users will also be able to pin more apps to the home screen, with the limit increasing from just six to a much more generous 20. Access to Games, Art & Photos, and the Ambient Experience has also been streamlined via the Menu button on the remote.

Amazon has even added a new shortcut panel as well, which is accessible by long-pressing the Home button. This provides quick access to frequently used Fire TV controls, including audio and display settings.

Another key addition is Alexa+, Amazon’s upgraded assistant, which is expected to arrive in the UK later this year. The enhanced Alexa experience aims to make discovering content quicker and more intuitive.

Alongside the Fire TV Stick update, Amazon is also revamping the Fire TV mobile app. While it already functions as a backup remote, the redesigned app will soon allow users to browse content, manage watchlists, and play titles directly on their TVs. Its new look mirrors the updated Fire TV interface.

Once installed, the app will effectively turn smartphones into a second screen, making it easier to discover new shows or add recommendations to watchlists while away from home. Amazon has confirmed the app will remain free to download.

So, who gets the update?

Amazon has confirmed a major update that will begin rolling out in the U.S. soon, with other regions set to follow later this year.

The new Fire TV is coming to the Fire TV Stick 4K Plus, Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2nd Gen), and Fire TV Omni Mini-LED Series in the U.S. Amazon plans to expand availability to more devices and countries later in the spring, including the latest Fire TV 4K streaming media players.