Amazon Retires Fire Tablets for Android-Powered Alexa Tablets

Amazon is replacing its long-running Fire tablet line with a new family of Android-powered Alexa Tablets, giving customers full access to Google Play while moving the devices into a more expensive, AI-focused category. The change removes one of the biggest limitations of Amazon tablets: their restricted app ecosystem.

Amazon announced three models on October 8, 2026: the 12-inch Amazon Alexa Tablet 12 Pro, the 11-inch Amazon Alexa Tablet 11 and the 8.7-inch Amazon Alexa Tablet 8. Prices start at $229.99 for the Tablet 8, $329.99 for the Tablet 11 and $499.99 for the Tablet 12 Pro. The 12 Pro with the Nanomatte display starts at $549.99. Amazon is also introducing new Kids Tablet versions.

Full Android replaces Fire OS

Unlike previous Fire tablets, the new devices run Android with access to the full Google Play Store. That means buyers can install popular applications such as YouTube, Netflix, Gmail and Google Docs without relying on Amazon’s smaller app catalog. Reuters reported that Amazon made the switch after years of complaints from consumers and developers about Fire OS, Amazon’s modified version of Android.

The move also raises Amazon’s tablet prices. The highest-priced configuration is $549.99, compared with a previous top-end Fire HD 10 price of more than $180 before discounts, according to Reuters. Amazon’s global tablet market share fell to 1.9% in the second quarter of 2026 from 8% a year earlier, according to IDC data cited by Reuters.

Alexa+ becomes the centerpiece

Alexa+ is built into every new model. Users can ask Alexa questions, control smart-home devices, manage calendars and receive recommendations while using other applications. An optional On-Screen Intelligence feature lets Alexa analyze what is displayed on the tablet and provide contextual help, such as summarizing a webpage or adding dates from a schedule to a calendar.

Amazon says On-Screen Intelligence is disabled by default and requires users to opt in. A visual indicator appears when Alexa is active, and the feature can be disabled in Settings. Users can also start a continuous live conversation by tapping the Alexa icon, eliminating the need to repeat the wake word between questions. Access to Alexa+ on the tablets requires an Amazon Prime membership or an Alexa+ subscription.

The flagship Tablet 12 Pro has a 12-inch display, up to 16GB of RAM, Wi-Fi 6E, Dolby Atmos speakers and up to 16 hours of video playback. Amazon says it can deliver up to 20 hours of reading in its Kindle-focused reading mode. The Tablet 11 and Tablet 8 target entertainment and portability, with up to 15 and 14 hours of video playback, respectively.

How to get started

Preorder an Amazon Alexa Tablet through Amazon or a participating retailer. General sales begin October 14, 2026, in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Sign in with an Amazon account and complete Android setup, including Google Play access and application permissions.
Review Alexa privacy settings before enabling On-Screen Intelligence. Keep the feature off if you do not want Alexa to inspect content displayed on the screen.

Existing Fire tablets will continue to work, according to Amazon, but the company has not said whether it will continue maintaining Fire OS or its legacy app store. The new lineup signals that Amazon is no longer treating its tablets primarily as inexpensive content devices. Instead, it is using Android compatibility, premium hardware and Alexa+ to compete more directly with mainstream Android tablets and Apple’s iPad.

References

Bensinger, G. (2026, October 8). Amazon launches first Android tablets, raising prices and incorporating Alexa. Reuters. https://www.streetinsider.com/Reuters/Amazon%2Blaunches%2Bfirst%2BAndroid%2Btablets%2C%2Braising%2Bprices%2Band%2Bincorporating%2BAlexa/27164754.html
Keith, K. (2026, October 8). New Amazon Alexa Tablets with Alexa+ built in: Details, availability, and pricing. Amazon. https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/devices/new-amazon-alexa-tablets-alexa-plus
Amazon. (2026, October 8). Alexa Tablet Devices FAQ. Amazon Developer. https://developer.amazon.com/ja/docs/device-specs/alexa-tablet-devices-faq.html