Millions of households across the UK are set for a substantial enhancement to their home entertainment setup, as Amazon prepares to unleash a major free software upgrade for its popular Fire TV Stick devices later this year.
What's Inside the Fire TV Overhaul?
The update, confirmed by Amazon's Technology Editor Dave Snelling on 07 January 2026, is designed to significantly improve the user experience. The most immediate change will be a completely refreshed visual interface, boasting a more modern design with updated typography, new colour gradients, and improved layouts on the home screen.
Beyond the aesthetic refresh, Amazon promises tangible performance gains. Users should notice navigation that feels up to 30 percent snappier when browsing through menus, making the overall interaction much more responsive.
Enhanced Customisation and Controls
The upgrade isn't solely focused on looks and speed. It also grants users much greater control over their home screen. The previous limit of pinning just six favourite apps has been dramatically increased to a generous 20 apps, allowing for far more personalisation.
Access to features like Games, Art & Photos, and the Ambient Experience has been streamlined via the remote's Menu button. Furthermore, a new shortcut panel, activated by long-pressing the Home button, provides quick access to frequently used settings for audio and display.
Alexa+ and Mobile App Improvements
A key addition for UK users is the integration of Alexa+, Amazon's upgraded AI assistant, which is slated to arrive in the region later this year. This enhanced version aims to make discovering new films and TV shows quicker and more intuitive through voice commands.
Alongside the stick update, Amazon is revamping the companion Fire TV mobile app. While it already works as a backup remote, the redesigned app will allow users to browse content, manage watchlists, and even play titles directly on their TV. Its new look mirrors the updated TV interface, and it will effectively turn smartphones into a second screen for content discovery. Amazon has confirmed the app will remain free to download.
Rollout Schedule and Eligible Devices
So, which devices will receive this upgrade? Amazon has confirmed the update will begin rolling out first in the United States. The initial wave includes the Fire TV Stick 4K Plus, Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2nd Gen), and the Fire TV Omni Mini-LED Series.
The company plans to expand availability to more devices and countries later in the spring, which includes the UK and the latest Fire TV 4K streaming media players. British users can expect the free upgrade to arrive on their compatible devices sometime in the latter part of 2026.
