Amazon Develops Android-Powered Fire Tablet in Strategic Shift from Fire OS

Amazon is preparing to launch its first Android-powered Fire Tablet in a significant departure from its proprietary Fire OS platform, according to multiple industry sources. The upcoming device, internally codenamed "Project Kittyhawk," represents a fundamental shift in Amazon's tablet strategy as the company responds to persistent user complaints about its restricted ecosystem.

Major Operating System Transition for Amazon's Tablet Lineup

The Seattle-based e-commerce giant has been developing this premium Android tablet as part of a multi-year initiative to modernize its Fire device portfolio. Unlike current Fire tablets that run Fire OS—a heavily customized fork of Android—this new device will operate on the Android Open Source Project (AOSP), providing users with broader app compatibility.

Fire OS has historically limited users to Amazon's proprietary app store, requiring developers to create specialized versions of their applications exclusively for Fire devices. This restriction has significantly reduced the variety of available apps compared to standard Android tablets with Google Play Store access.

Premium Pricing and Market Positioning

The Android-powered Fire Tablet is expected to launch as early as 2026 with a starting price around $400. This represents a substantial price increase from Amazon's current budget-friendly approach, where Fire tablets typically start at $60 and the flagship Fire Max 11 sells for approximately $230.

However, the new device will not include Google services or Google Play Store integration, maintaining Amazon's independent approach to software distribution. Users will likely need to rely on sideloading applications or Amazon's expanded app ecosystem for software access.

Amazon's Position in the Global Tablet Market

Amazon currently holds the fourth position in worldwide tablet sales with an 8% market share, according to IDC research data for Q2 2025. The company sits just behind Lenovo's 8.2% share, while Apple dominates with 33.1% and Samsung holds 18.7% of the market.

Remarkably, Amazon experienced explosive growth of 205% in tablet shipments during Q2 2025, shipping 3.1 million units compared to 1.0 million in the same period the previous year. This surge was attributed to strategic inventory stockpiling ahead of anticipated tariffs and well-timed Prime Day promotions.

Fire OS Sunset and App Store Closure

Amazon officially discontinued its Android Appstore on August 20, 2025, ending over 14 years of operation on non-Amazon devices. The closure affects Android smartphone and tablet users, though the Appstore continues functioning on Fire TV and Fire Tablet devices.

Users with remaining Amazon Coins received automatic refunds following the shutdown, and previously downloaded apps from the Amazon Appstore are no longer guaranteed to function properly on Android devices.

Transition to Vega OS for Other Amazon Devices

While tablets move toward Android, Amazon is simultaneously developing Vega OS, a Linux-based operating system designed to replace Android across its Fire TV streaming device lineup. This new platform utilizes HTML5 and React Native technologies instead of traditional Java and Kotlin applications.

Vega OS already powers certain Amazon devices including the Echo Show 5 and Echo Hub, with Fire TV devices expected to transition later this year. Unlike the tablet strategy, this represents a complete departure from Android-based systems toward Amazon's proprietary solution.

Strategic Implications and Market Impact

The dual-platform approach reflects Amazon's evolving hardware strategy: premium Android tablets for enhanced user experience and Vega OS for tighter ecosystem control on streaming devices. Industry analysts suggest this shift addresses long-standing consumer frustrations with Fire OS limitations while maintaining Amazon's independence from Google services.

However, the Project Kittyhawk initiative faces potential delays or cancellation due to financial constraints or strategic reconsiderations, according to sources familiar with the matter. The success of this Android transition could determine Amazon's future competitiveness in the premium tablet segment against established players like Apple's iPad and Samsung's Galaxy Tab series.